Prospective Westminster Parliamentary Candidate for Preston

The Local Party Executive of Preston and Wyre Liberal Democrats invites applications for the selection of a Prospective Westminster Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency of Preston. Applications must be received by the Returning Officer no later than 12 noon on Friday 30th October 2026.

Constituency Profile

The Preston constituency is within the urban areas of the Preston District Council. It is a diverse urban constituency characterised by a large student population, significant ethnic diversity and lower than average incomes. The local economy combines education, retail and advanced manufacturing, with challenges around child poverty, deprivation, housing and employment.

The incumbent Labour MP was re-elected in 2024 with the Liberal Democrats keeping their deposit on 8% of the vote. The Liberal Democrats are the official opposition on Preston City Council which covers the Preston Constituency and areas of the more affluent Ribble Valley constituency to the North of the City.

Application

To apply, please use the provided online links to fill out the Candidate Application Form as well as the Candidate Statement & Diversity Form.

Separately, please email the following documents to the Returning Officer:

• Election Artwork: This should be a political CV or manifesto, limited to a single side of A4 in PDF format which is maximum 2 MB in size. This document will be included in the e-ballot and posted member mailing.

Returning Officer: Howard Austin, candidates@libdems.org.uk

Applicants are responsible for ensuring their submission is confirmed as received by the Returning Officer prior to the closing time of 12 noon on Friday 30th October 2026.

Further information regarding the Local Party can be obtained by contacting Reinier van Mierlo (Chair, Preston and Wyre Liberal Democrats), rsgvanmierlo@gmail.com.

Relevant documentation:

• The selection rules are available here.