A LONG standing local politician will be fighting for a seat in the next general election.

Cam resident Dennis Andrewartha has been selected as the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Stroud constituency.

He believes he is more than qualified for politics after serving Cam Parish Council for 12 years, Stroud District Council for 10 years and now serving his second term as a county councillor for Cam and Dursley.

Despite retiring six years ago Mr Andrewartha, 62, hasn’t slowed down, in fact his council roles take up most of his time and if he’s not in the council chamber he is tending to his vegetable patch or walking in the fields around Cam.

He came to politics later in life after leaving a career as a mechanical engineer in the power industry and working all around the world from India and Pakistan to Jamaica.

After moving to Cam he bought a post office and convenience store in Eastington and later owned Take Note in Cam.

He has two daughters and a son, as well as three grandchildren.

He joined the Liberal Democrat party on a whim after attending one of their open election meetings.

"I have never had any great ambition to run for parliament but I have always believed that it should be local people who live in the constituency that run for the seats," said Mr Andrewartha.

He said he is not put off by the expenses scandal and the general mood of discontent towards politics at the moment.

"I am not concerned because I believe that a Liberal government will make the necessary reforms to restore faith in democracy, such as reducing the number of MPs by 150 and making reforms to the House of Lords so that it becomes an elected body."

He said he is also in favour of electoral reform, changing the tax system to benefit the less well off and giving more power to local government and parish councils.

He admits he is joining the race for the Stroud seat a bit late with an election that looks set to take place this May.

"I am looking forward to fighting for the seat and I am feeling optimistic about it," said Mr Andrewartha. "I am an honest person and I say it as I see it, I am not afraid to stand up and say what I believe is right."