A LEADING Liberal Democrat who has been involved in drafting general election manifestos will fight the Keighley seat in May.

Gareth Epps has been selected by the party to try to wrest the constituency from Tory MP Kris Hopkins.

Mr Epps, who lives in Reading, is a member of the Lib Dems' federal policy committee, which is responsible for drawing-up manifestos.

He joined the party in 1992 and nine years later stood against David Cameron in Witney, increasing the Lib Dem share of the vote.

In 2007 he won a place on Reading Borough Council and became leader of the Liberal Democrat group.

He currently works in London, managing community relations for an infrastructure project.

Mr Epps said: "Keighley, Ilkley, the Worth Valley and surrounding communities have gained a lot from Liberal Democrats being in Government.

"In particular, the tax break for the lowest earners that David Cameron said we couldn't afford, has been delivered. Local people also benefit from the pupil premium, much-needed extra funding for the NHS and the steps to repair our economy for the long term."

His main policy interests include transport, international affairs and the environment.

Others so far announced as standing against Mr Hopkins on May 7 are Ros Brown (Green), John Grogan (Labour) and Paul Latham (UKIP).