Liberal Democrats again choose Broxtowe Borough councillor David Watts to stand in the next General Election against Conservative incumbent Robert Jenrick

Newark Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate for the next General Election and the name on the ballot papers won’t be much of a surprise.

Looking to unseat Conservative Robert Jenrick for a third time is David Watts who was beaten convincingly in the 2017 and the 2019 generals.

He first stood to represent the Newark Constituency in Parliament in the 2014 by-election, triggered by the resignation of Patrick Mercer, when Mr Jenrick was first elected to the Commons.

Mr Watts, whose background notes say he is married with two teenage children and a selection of pets. said: “Honesty, integrity and reliability are important to the people of Newark and I offer that.

“They have been badly let down over the past few years, and it was disappointing to note that Robert Jenrick didn’t vote to condemn Boris Johnsons rank dishonesty when he had the chance. People want more from their MP.

“The Newark constituency also has a large number of farms here and farming communities have been utterly betrayed by the Conservatives, whose trade deals allow Australia and New Zealand to dump lower standard foods in the UK with nothing for British farmers in return.

“It’s time for a change and I hope that the people of Newark will give me the opportunity to be that change for them.”

Mr Watts is a solicitor by profession and works for a local firm. He is long serving Broxtowe Borough councillor. He is also a keen environmentalist and is the editor of Challenge, the journal of the Green Liberal Democrats.