Candidates square up to take on Grieve

Feb 4 2010 By Polly Manser

A LAWYER and an chartered accountant are to fight Dominic Grieve for the Beaconsfield seat at the general election.

Jeremy Miles, 38, a lawyer who grew up in South Wales and now lives in West London will stand for Labour, while John Edwards, 42, an accountant from Windsor will stand for the Liberal Democrats.

Both say that should they win they will give up their day jobs and, in contrast to Mr Grieve whose family home is in West Kensington, live in the constituency. Mr Grieve has a second home just outside the constituency at Temple near Marlow.

Neither has run for parliament before and both insist that they are in it to win and sincerely wish to become members of parliament. Both attended comprehensive schools and both enjoy hill walking with their partners in their spare time. Neither has children.

Oxford educated Mr Miles, a "film buff" and son of a painter and decorator, was selected before Christmas and has already made numerous visits to the constituency. Thames Valley University educated Mr Edwards, a long time member of the charity Burnham Lions and former Slough Borough Council councillor when he lived in Slough, will be doing so frequently in coming weeks, having been selected on Saturday.

Mr Edwards said: "I am fighting this seat to win, there is no prize for second place. MPs in so-called 'safe' seats can no longer take the electorate for granted. I believe this country is crying out for change and want something different. The Lib Dems are different."

Mr Miles said: "I'm fighting for every vote out there. I'm also hoping to put questions to Dominic Grieve so we get some accountability." He said of Mr Grieve: "I've spoken to people on the street and the impression is that he's not seen as the most hard working PM."

Both said they believed constituents were concerned about crime despite the fact that crime fell by 19 per cent from April to November 2009 in South Bucks compared to 2008. Mr Miles said the number one issue was the lack of affordable homes, and that immigration was also perceived as a problem.

However neither stands a chance of ousting Mr Grieve, who secured 51 per cent of the vote at the last election.

Conservative party agent Philip Dumville said: "In reality they've got no chance, but the Lib Dems will be trying to make an inroad into the Labour vote to show they are a choice. Each would like to come a good second. However we are never complacent."

Most experts predict the election will take place on May 6.