Lib Dems choose ex-HGV driver to fight Truss seat

Josie Ratcliffe will fight in Norfolk South West for the Liberal Democrats at the next general election

An ex-HGV driver has been chosen by the Liberal Democrats to line up against the former Prime Minister Liz Truss in South West Norfolk at the next general election.

Local councillor Josie Ratcliffe is hoping to make inroads into Ms Truss's 26,000 Conservative majority after finishing third behind Labour in the 2019 constituency fight.

Ms Ratcliffe, a member of King's Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council, picked up 4,166 votes - 8.1% at the last election.

Ms Truss came first with 35,507 (69%) and Labour second with 9,312 (18.1%).

Liz Truss is defending a 26,000 majority in Norfolk South West

Ms Truss has been the South West Norfolk MP since 2010 and the Conservatives have held the seat since the 1960s.

She became the UK's shortest-serving prime minister in 2022 after replacing Boris Johnson on 6 September then resigning 45 days later.

Ms Ratcliffe, who lives near King's Lynn, will challenge Ms Truss alongside Labour’s Terry Jermy, Independent James Bagge and Reform candidate Toby McKenzie.

“The British people have shown remarkable decency and strength in these very tough times," she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"Now, more than ever, people deserve a fair deal.

“I will fight for our community, our businesses and our environment.”