A DISTRICT councillor will be challenging Mark Garnier for the Wyre Forest parliamentary seat in the forthcoming snap General Election.

Councillor Shazu Miah has been announced as the Liberal Democrat party candidate for the ballot on June 8.

The solicitor secured a place on Wyre Forest District Council in the local elections of 2016.

Councillor Miah said that, since he was elected, he has organised the successful campaign to save St Georges Park paddling pool, fought against the Kidderminster Cricket Club mast and campaigned for the demolition of Crown House.

But the issue of Brexit and the way it is being pursued by Prime Minister Theresa May will also play a major part of his campaign.

Councillor Miah, said: “Thirty-six per cent of Wyre Forest residents voted to Remain in the EU and many more oppose the reckless decision of this hard-right Conservative government to pursue a ‘hard Brexit’.

“Only the Lib Dems here in Wyre Forest are truly fighting her plans and fought to Remain."

“The Labour Party is in an absolute mess, fighting amongst themselves rather than acting as the effective opposition this country so needs.”

He added: “I will be campaigning and making the case that anyone who wants to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit, keep Britain in the single market, and who wants Great Britain to remain open, tolerant and united, the only party to vote for is the Liberal Democrats.”