Phil Hutty has been selected unanimously as the Liberal Democrat candidate for South East Cornwall.

The Liberal Democrats say they are now ready to fight a general election following reports that the new Prime Minister might go to the country early, before a possible recession and to take advantage of Labour in-fighting.

Phil Hutty said: ’My three campaign priorities will be fighting for real investment in Cornwall once the European money disappears; new jobs, building on our superfast broadband; and affordable housing, so the next generation can afford to live here.

’The Liberal Democrats are united in our ambition to see a country that delivers opportunity for everyone. Whether it is our record of cutting taxes for the low-paid, investing in our schools or fighting for the homes that the next generation so desperately need, we have a liberal vision that can speak to many people in our part of Cornwall.

’Since the referendum we have signed more than 18,000 new members nationally, a number of them in SE Cornwall. In the past month alone, we won three by-elections to Cornwall Council, taking seats off UKIP, the Conservatives and the Independents – we are clearly back as a force in Cornish politics.’