John Howell's selection as Conservative candidate for Henley welcomed by Liberal Democrats

9.50.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th May 2008

After a difficult selection process, the Conservatives have settled on County Councillor John Howell as their candidate in the forthcoming by-election. The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news of the selection.

Liberal Democrat candidate and charity boss Stephen Kearney said: "I am looking forward to debating the issues that affect people across the Henley constituency with Councillor Howell in the coming weeks."

"Our campaign has been up and running for several weeks, Nick Clegg has surveyed the entire constituency and we are getting a very warm reception on doorsteps. We are ready for the Conservatives to fire the starting gun whenever they are ready to provide local people with a date."

Liberal Democrat Deputy Director of Campaigns Neil Fawcett said: "We are delighted that the Conservatives have settled on Councillor Howell. The selection of a senior County Councillor will provide local people with the chance to have their say on rising Council Tax bills and the Conservatives' record in Oxfordshire.

"Stephen Kearney will be a strong voice for local people. He has an excellent track record of listening to local communities as part of his charity work. Stephen has already taken up a number of local issues such as the loss of local services, expansion onto the green belt and anti-social behaviour."