The Liberal Democrat’s prospective parliamentary candidate for South Shropshire, former councillor Chris Naylor is standing down due to health concerns.

Mr Naylor lives in the heart of the constituency, off-grid by All Stretton, and was selected through a competitive process in early 2023.

On being selected, Mr Naylor said: “South Shropshire and our particular problems are sadly being taken for granted by this exhausted, infighting government. I want to champion our local needs in Westminster and press for change."

As well as having led a major council housing department for four years, Mr Naylor was on the Lib Dems Local Government Parliamentary Committee at Westminster chaired by Simon Hughes MP.

Mr Naylor is just starting as a volunteer in Royal Shrewsbury Hospital A&E, and has recently joined the Citizen Scientists in Ludlow sampling the Teme and Corve rivers. He has also served on his local Patient Participation Group and on the Radbrook Foundation, supporting young people into further education, and volunteers with the National Trust.

"It’s a huge disappointment,” Mr Naylor said, "to have to step down as PPC due to health concerns, after nearly a year now as the South Shropshire Lib Dem candidate.

"Sadly my old cardiovascular problem has flared up again after nearly 10 years. However, having launched a new local Lib Dem branch in the Strettons, and delivered many thousands of leaflets, I’ll still be playing an active part – giving my all to win back South Shropshire.

“Meanwhile I’m delighted that since my news several strong new candidates have come forward and I understand the constituency party will be announcing our new PPC very soon. I’d like to take this opportunity to offer many thanks to colleagues for their kind support."

David Gaukroger, South Shropshire Lib Dem’s constituency chairman, said: “Chris is an exceptional man and he has made a great impact in the campaign. He combines intellectual capacity and energy with a deep humanity and a capacity to connect with voters of all parties and none.

“He stands out as that rarity in politics: someone motivated by the desire to promote the common good rather than by personal ambition.”