Stephen Kearney

Stephen Kearney is the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for the Henley by-election

Stephen Kearney. For a larger version of this picture for download, see www.henleylibdems.org.uk/photos/6.html

Stephen Kearney, 49, is Chief Executive of the Regenerate Trust (www.regeneratetrust.com), an international development charity that works in Africa and the UK. Stephen has been a small business owner, a farmer and has also worked as a commodity broker.

Stephen started his career in retail management with WH Smith and left to set up a pony trekking centre and mixed farm enterprise. After gaining a qualification in Agriculture from Harper Adams University College, Stephen worked in agricultural commodity trading and project management before deciding to make a move to the charity sector.

He lives with his partner Julia who shares his passion for sailing and boating. As well as his love of Britain's waterways, Stephen is passionate about protecting England's rural environment. His interests include music, drama and the arts, especially live performance.

Stephen Kearney is delighted to have been selected by the Liberal Democrats as the new local champion for Henley. His campaign is off to a flying start and he is already working hard in every part of the constituency. He has pledged to make a permanent move to the constituency if he is elected as MP:

"I want to be a very energetic and local MP taking up the concerns of people across the whole of the area. As the local MP I will keep in touch with local people all year round and hold regular advice surgeries across the area. I will be a strong local champion for our local communities.

"I will speak out on the issues that matter to local people such as the loss of local Post Offices, policing and the environment. I will be a full-time MP for this area, living and working in its communities and fighting to safeguard local services."

• Keep in touch with Stephen Kearney on Facebook.

• Keep in touch with Stephen Kearney on Twitter.

News from Stephen Kearney

Fri 27th Jun 2008:

Stephen thanks voters after Conservatives retain Henley.

Liberal Democrat candidate Stephen Kearney has given his heartfelt thanks to voters in Henley and all those who have helped his campaign. Conservative John Howell was elected with Stephen in second place. Labour slumped to a dismal 5th on just 3.1% of the vote.

Mon 23rd Jun 2008:

Kearney and Clegg in Thame to back local schools.

Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg rejoined Stephen Kearney in Henley today. Stephen and Nick visited Barley Hill Primary School in Thame for a briefing with the headteacher, then chatted and played with the children in the breakfast club.

Kearney: I'll fight for South Oxfordshire in Parliament.

Stephen Kearney has reinforced his positive vision for the area, committing to fighting on issues important to local residents in Parliament if elected as the new MP for Henley on Thursday. Stephen has pledged to back plans for more police, action on climate change, protecting doctors surgeries locally, scrapping the Council Tax and to vote to end the war in Iraq.

Sun 22nd Jun 2008:

Gurkhas come out to help Stephen Kearney in the Henley by-election.

Many former Gurkha soldiers today travelled to Thame and Henley to help Stephen Kearney in his campaign to be Henley's next MP. Stephen has thrown his weight behind the campaign to ensure all retired Gurkhas who fought in the British army get the right to citizenship, as well as a fair deal on pensions.

Police Station campaign attacked.

The campaign for extended opening hours at Henley Police Station has been attacked by local Conservatives. The attack comes in Conservative candidate John Howell's latest campaign leaflet.

No to ID cards, yes to more police.

A survey of South Oxfordshire residents has shown that local people are opposed to Labour's ID card plans. Most people questioned believed that putting more police on patrol would be more effective in the battle against crime and anti-social behaviour.

Sat 21st Jun 2008:

Stephen answers, but will John?

Conservative John Howell is refusing to properly answer a series of questions about his links to property developers. In stark contrast Aston Rowant resident Liberal Democrat Stephen Kearney sent full answers back to the Conservatives in response to their questions to him.

Thu 19th Jun 2008:

Townlands Hospital Campaign: Conservative candidate did NOT help us.

Claims by the Conservative campaign that their candidate assisted in the campaign to save Henley's Townlands Hospital are in tatters having been refuted by independent Townlands Campaigners. BOTH the current and former Chairs of the Townlands Hospital Steering Group have issued statements denying any contribution into the campaign by John Howell, despite Conservative leaflets claiming otherwise.

Wed 18th Jun 2008:

Electric Reception for Cable, Kearney and Clegg.

A packed meeting at Chinnor Rugby Club in Thame on Tuesday evening gave an electric reception to Henley by-election candidate Stephen Kearney, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable.

Sun 15th Jun 2008:

Oxfordshire's elderly care charges rocket by 23%.

The cost of care for local elderly people has rocketed in recent years because of decisions by the Conservative run County Council and backed by the Tory candidate. There has been a massive 23% increase in the hourly charge for a single care assistant.

Earlier Stories

Complete archive on the official site.