Lib Dems confirm MP candidate for Littlehampton and Bognor Regis

Francis Oppler, who is already the opposition leader of Arun District Council, has been selected to represent the party as its candidate in the constituency at the General Election in 2015.

A councillor since 1989, he has lived in the area since he was two years old.

Having led various campaigns over the years, he strongly opposes houses being built on the West Bank in

Littlehampton and said he was angered by the closure of the Windmill Theatre at the time.

Mr Oppler said: “I am very proud to be selected and represent the Liberal Democrats locally in 2015.

“However, I know that it is going to be a tough fight and I need to ensure that we put right the lies spread by papers like the Daily Mail and our political opponents.”

A poll released in December last year showed if the elections had been held at the time, UKIP would be in second place behind the Conservatives and ahead of the Liberal Democrats and Labour.

However, Mr Oppler believes his party, and not UKIP, will prove to be the main challengers in 2015.

Dr James Walsh, a district and county councillor and former candidate, said Mr Oppler had worked ‘tirelessly’ for people in the area.