Lib Dems pick first-year student for Brighton by-election

The Liberal Democrats have chosen a 20-year-old university student to stand for election in the East Brighton by-election next month.

The party has picked Dominik Sokalski, a first-year economics student at Sussex University.

Mr Sokalski, of Coombe Terrace in Lewes Road, Brighton, said: “I am relishing the opportunity to fly the Lib Dem flag in this campaign.

Dominik Sokalski

“Over the years the Greens have been in their ascendancy but this by-election will see the Green bubble burst.

“Local residents now have seen them for what they are – authoritarian and avowed enemies of anyone who has the audacity to own a home or a car.

“Only the Liberal Democrats have a realistic chance of challenging the Labour Party in this ward and I look forward to taking that on.”

Brian Stone, chairman of the Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats, said: “We are very excited about having Dominik as our candidate.

“In recent months we have had a number of young people and students taking up Lib Dem membership.

“It is so good to see the next generation of Lib Dem activists offering themselves for public service.

“Dominik will show the people of Brighton East what a real councillor looks like.”

The by-election will be held on Thursday 18 October. It was caused by the resignation of Labour councillor Craig Turton, who stood down for health reasons.

Mr Sokalski will not be the youngest candidate in the contest. The Conservatives have selected 18-year-old Joe Miller, who grew up in Whitehawk, which is in the East Brighton ward. The former Cardinal Newman Catholic School pupil also lives in Lewes Road.