CONSERVATIVES in Bexley and Bromley have chosen a Territorial Army major and prolific blogger to fight for their London Assembly seat.

The seat is currently held by Bromley Tory MP Bob Neill, who is standing down at the next assembly elections in 2008 following his election to Parliament.

James Cleverly, from Lewisham, was chosen to run in the election at a meeting at Sidcup Rugby Club, Sydney Road, Sidcup, on March 21.

He is married with two sons aged four and two and has been with the Territorial Army for more than 15 years.

Mr Cleverly, who works in publishing, has written a blog on his website since 2004.

The 37-year-old stood in the 2005 General Election in Lewisham East.

He was on Tory leader David Cameron's priority list of Parliamentary candidates for target seats, but took himself off it to fight for the assembly seat.

Mr Cleverly also launched a campaign website for people to air their views.

He said: "I want people to contact me in a way they feel comfortable, whether by post, phone, email, forum or face-to-face."

Visit his website at bexleyandbromley conservatives.org