Lewisham West & Penge to be in top 50 Lib Dem targets for 2010

7.10.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 7th Aug 2008

The constituency of Lewisham West & Penge will be in the top 50 Labour-held seats that the Liberal Democrats will be targeting in 2010, the party has revealed. The new seat, formed from parts of the old Lewisham West and Beckenham constituencies, would be won by the Lib Dems on a swing of 9.37% from Labour.

"It's great news that our potential to win this seat has been recognised at a national level," commented Lewisham West & Penge parliamentary spokesman Alex Feakes. "We've known for a while that there's a mood for change amongst local residents, and the results of council elections show that they see the Lib Dems as best placed to challenge Labour."

Nationally, the party has recently announced a range of new policies, including an ambition to reduce taxes for the poorest in society, the introduction of a 'pupil premium' that would help fund a better education for the less advantaged and initiatives to reduce youth offending. The party's commitment to the environment has also been reinforced with a pledge to make Britain carbon-neutral by 2050.

"Labour are adrift and have run out of ideas; the Conservatives have carefully avoided saying anything certain about their plans in case they scare anyone. Only the Liberal Democrats are putting the case for a freer, fairer and greener Britain with clear policies" says Alex.

The party's campaign chiefs are looking at diverting resources to these top Labour-held targets, which would see a step-up in campaigning activity in the constituency. "There's lots for us to do before the election and we would welcome the extra support, but we're up for the challenge and are looking forward to winning in 2010."