Candidate keeps his political options open

FORMER Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Antony Hook has revealed he has not ruled out standing again if a general election is called in 2010.

Mr Hook, 28, is already in the candidates list to fight next year’s European election.

But he says that should he fail to get a seat in Brussels, he may put his name forward again for the candidacy on his home turf of Dover and Deal.

And he dismissed the Tory choice, Charlie Elphicke, for not having any local connections.

Mr Hook, a barrister from Deal, has performed well at the last two general elections, increasing the party’s share of the vote in 2001 and 2005.

He is widely respected on the local political circuit as an articulate and passionate proponent of liberal democracy.

He is number five on the Euro list, making it unlikely that he will be elected, so a return to Dover and Deal looks a possibility at this stage.

Mr Hook said: “Obviously I am looking to fight the Euro election as hard as I can. But no, I wouldn’t rule out putting my name forward for a general election should I not be elected an MEP.”

Some observers are predicting that if Gordon Brown loses the ultra-safe Glasgow East by-election he will be forced out of office, increasing the chance of an early general election.

An early poll with a new leader may be enough to save back bench Labour MPs in tight marginals, like Gwyn Prosser in Dover and Deal which he holds with a majority of 5,000.

Mr Hook said Mr Elphicke is disadvantaged as he has no local ties.

He added: “I’ve not really noticed him, to be honest. It’s going to be a handicap that he doesn’t have any local credentials.

“And he will be up against Gwyn Prosser who is vastly experienced. That is going to be a real, problem for him.”

Mr Elphicke said: “I thank my fellow Deal resident for his warm words and generous comments.”