Grayson is Main Challenger to Tories in Hemel

12.09.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Apr 2010

Hemel Lib Dems were out on the campaign trail as soon as it became clear that the general election would be called today for 6th May. Based on recent local results, the Lib Dems are the main challengers to the Tories in Hemel, with Labour having fallen apart in Hemel since the last general election.

Lib Dem candidate Dr Richard Grayson said, "We are on the up and up in Hemel, having overtaken Labour in recent elections. I am looking forward to putting a clear alternative to the Conservatives' plans, and am expecting a good clean fight on important local issues between myself and my Conservative opponent. Labour are out of the running in Hemel."

The facts in Hemel are:

• The Lib Dems came ahead of Labour in the 2009 local elections across Hemel in total votes cast.

• The Lib Dems have more councillors in Hemel than Labour.

• The Lib Dems are the official opposition to the Conservatives on Herts and Dacorum councils.