A HEREFORDSHIRE businesswoman hopes to spearhead a long sought after Liberal Democrat breakthrough in the Leominster constituency.

Caroline Williams, the party's newly selected prospective parliamentary candidate, was born and brought up in the constituency and lives at Westhope with her husband and young son. Her 'roots' are likely to be a bonus - her family have lived and farmed in the area for generations.

Party officials say the Lib Dems could be the beneficiary of a "dramatic result" at the general election in Leominster. It was one of the party's strongest seats in the 1970s and 1980s.

Ms Williams said: "Leominster is a diverse seat with an enduring Liberal tradition where there is a great deal of community spirit and pride, but our parliamentary representation leaves much to be desired.

"We have been bludgeoned into accepting less than we deserve in so many ways. We need to fight for a fairer deal for rural communities, better public transport and to protect threatened amenities like libraries and post offices. We will campaign for fair funding of our education system and police.

"We have been let down by Tory governments and now by a Labour administration quite content to cheat the countryside of it's rightful place in a changing society and economy."

In crisis

Ms Williams said the rural scene was "in crisis" especially at the level of the family farm.

"As a politician, I know how important it is we adopt practical green policies and find ways to manage land in a sustainable and productive way," she said.

Constituency party chairman Ned Abell said: "We are delighted to have selected such a strong candidate to lead the party's campaigns in Leominster constituency.

"Caroline has a good working relationship with Paul Keetch MP and many Herefordshire councillors. She is a dedicated campaigner with the time, the energy and the leadership we need to re-awaken Liberalism in Leominster."