WOKING Liberal Democrats Took little time talking up their candidate after announcing their front runner for the upcoming General Election.

Chris Took has succeeded former Woking Mayor Rosie Sharpley, who came second to current Conservative MP Jonathan Lord in the 2010 votes, as the party’s main candidate for the borough.

Chris said: “As a former local councillor

I’ve had a number of positive experiences where small and simple measures have resulted in great changes for local people.

"As an MP I can take those positive experiences to an even wider audience. My policy passions are the provision of mental health services in this country, as well as economics.

"As we emerge from a recession and grow our economy again we need to ensure the many, rather than the few, share in the proceeds of economic growth.”

Following Chris’ selection, Leader of the Lib Dem Group on Woking Borough Council, Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, outlined the main issues that the party would be campaigning on for the 2014 local elections. She explained: “Chris brings a huge amount of both professional and political experience to the local Woking party.

“He will be a huge asset as we campaign in the council elections in 2014 and, of course, elect a Lib Dem MP in 2015.”

Chris is a successful businessman and a sales director for international software development company PageSuite.

A fundraiser for the charity PHA, he previously contested the seat of Ashford, in Kent, in 2005 and 2010.

Chris (left) is married to Josie, a Surrey local from Walton-on-Thames.