THE Liberal Democrats have selected their Lewisham and Greenwich candidate for next year’s London Assembly elections.

Former Lewisham councillor John Russell served as a councillor in Forest Hill for four years and chaired the council’s Overview and Scrutiny committee for two years.

He also served on the council’s fostering panel for four years and has previously served as chair of the Lewisham Borough Liberal Democrats.

The London Assembly’s Lib Dem leader Caroline Pidgeon said: “I am delighted that John Russell has been selected to stand for the London Assembly in Greenwich and Lewisham.

“I have worked for many years with him, fighting for improved rail services for passengers in Forest Hill.

“I know what a strong champion John is for young people and look forward to working closely with John in Greenwich and Lewisham standing up for improved public transport and strong local police teams.”

John Russell said: “I am pleased and honoured to be selected by local members as their candidate and I look forward to campaigning across the two boroughs over the coming months.

“I am brimming full of local issues to campaign on to improve the lives of Lewisham and Greenwich residents.

He added: “I am proud to be part of a very strong Liberal Democrat team in London and having the opportunity to work alongside our Mayoral candidate Brian Paddick and Caroline Pidgeon.”