HIGHGATE BY-ELECTION: Former senior Lib Dem to stand for Greens

TUESDAY AUGUST 17 2011

EXCLUSIVE by RICHARD OSLEY

A KEY figure in the Liberal Democrat group which once shared power in Camden has changed allegiances and is to stand for the Green Party in the Highgate by-election. The New Journal can reveal that writer and campaigner Alexis Rowell, the former Liberal Democrat 'eco-champion' at the Town Hall, is to contest the poll. His profile in Camden and election know-how sets up an intriguing campaign battle over the coming weeks as the Greens try to make a gain.

A former councillor for Belsize, Mr Rowell came through a contested selection meeting tonight (Tuesday). He is recalled as an energetic councillor who used his time in Camden to try and push environmental issues and climate change to the top of the council agenda. His insistence that this should be prioritised above other policies due to his grave fears about the world's future led to disagreements with colleagues.

The by-election in Highgate follows the resignation of Labour councillor Michael Nicolaides. Sally Gimson, a former candidate in Gospel Oak, won a branch vote tonight and will try and defend the seat for Labour.