Mahmood Rafiq selected as candidate in upcoming by-election

Local residents and community champion, Mahmood Rafiq, has been selected by Liberal Democrats in New Malden to be their candidate in the upcoming Green Lane & St James by-election.

The by-election was called after Lib Dem councillor Tim Cobbett resigned after he took the difficult decision to take up a new role which will see him relocate away from New Malden and therefore be unable to serve local residents.

Mahmood Rafiq has lived on Bodley Road for twelve years with his wife, raising their family in New Malden. His children attended Burlington School and Malden Manor School, and Mahmood is a local school governor as well.

Mahmood Rafiq said, "Our family has called New Malden home for over 12 years. It’s where my wife and I have raised our family, and where our children grew up and went to schools. We are so fortunate to live in this area and I am proud to be an active part of our community.

"But there are issues local people continue to face, and challenges we need to overcome together, to make our part of New Malden even better: Investing in and building new schools, tackling catalytic converter and car theft and calling for more local GP appointments.

"That’s why I am excited to be standing for the Liberal Democrats in the upcoming by-election to continue the hard work of former ward councillors Tim Cobbett and Simon Edwards."

Residents will head to the polls on Thursday, 10 November, with postal votes expected to start landing on Saturday, 22 October. More information is available on Kingston Council's dedicated webpage for the by-election.