Ashby resident Martin Cooper has joined the local Liberal Democrats - after standing previously as an Independent candidate.

He says he made his decision after seeing and hearing about the work work LibDem Councillors are doing in Coalville.

And he will be standing for selection at the local elections on May 4, in a ward still to be decided.

Martin, who stood as an Independent candidate in January last year, said: "I've joined the LibDems because they always put people first.

"Their commitment and dedication to fighting for their areas can only be commended.

"Michael Wyatt, leader of the North West Leicestershire LibDems welcomed me to the party and the first thing he said was: 'It's about people, their wishes, their aspirations and their needs that must come first'.

"I couldn't agree more, that's why I will be standing in the May elections to give local residents in Ashby a voice which has been ignored for far too long."

Martin has issued an invitation to join his team and you can email him at [email protected].