As far as FABS is concerned if the Lib Dems can get a good candidate (there doesn’t seem to be a shortage) then it’s game on for the general election !

John Kiely has informed the Filton and Bradley Stoke Constituency Executive of his decision to stand down and not contest the winnable Filton & Bradley Stoke Constituency at the forthcoming election. Mr Kiely, 52, is Bristol’s longest serving Liberal Democrat City Councillor and lives in Brislington with his partner Hengrove City Councillor Jos Clark and their 8-year old son Hugo.

Mr Kiely felt that it was becoming increasingly difficult to balance his ward and Council duties with leading the Constituency into the next general election. In addition, he works shifts at Frenchay Hospital as an administrator so it was not always easy to attend events or meetings which will only increase in number in the months ahead.

John adds, “It was a real privilege to have been given the opportunity to stand as a Parliamentary candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke as I know the area extremely well and also work in it. But following my re-election to Bristol City Council in June I told the residents of Easton ward that they would be my first priority and I feel I cannot do that pledge justice and be fair to the local party in Filton and Bradley Stoke at the same time. I know that some members feel that they need a PPC who can concentrate solely on the forthcoming general election campaign and so it is with great reluctance that I have decided to stand down to give them the time to find that person.”

A Constituency Spokesman says “John Kiely resigned at the end of last week and the Filton and Bradley Stoke Liberal Democrats would like to thank him for all the hard work which he has put into the role whist he has been our prospective parliamentary candidate. We wish John every success in the future especially in his role as the elected Liberal Democrat councillor for the Easton Ward of Bristol City Council.”