THE Liberal Democrats have selected a management consultant and a former leader of the local party to fight its corner at the next General Election.

Dr Sue Stebbing, a former Army officer, will be representing the party in South Swindon against Tory candidate Robert Buckland and whoever Labour chooses to replace outgoing MP Julia Drown.

Dr Stebbing, who has a PhD in environmental studies, said: "We will show the electorate that the Liberal Democrats offer a real alternative to the discredited policies of Tony Blair and Michael Howard."

The party has chosen Coun Mike Evemy, who led the Lib Dems on Swindon council for 10 years, to fight the North Swindon seat. The Nationwide worker will be facing Conservative Justin Tomlinson and sitting Labour MP Michael Wills.

Coun Evemy said: "Our policies in health, education and crime are head and shoulders above those of Labour and the Conservatives."

Tony Blair is expected to call the next General Election in 2005, although he could wait until 2006 if he chose.

At the last election in 2001 the Liberal Demo-crats came third in both constituencies, with about 11 per cent of the vote.

Since then the party has seen its national share of the vote rise, and has scored notable successes against Labour in by-elections.

Lib Dem constituency chairwoman Wendy Johnson said: "We have an excellent opportunity to move the party forward locally and we are determined to do so."