Barrister Becomes Advocate For Skipton and Ripon Constituency

5.35.47pm GMT Sat 5th May 2007

Skipton and Ripon Liberal Democrats appointed James Keeley to be their Parliamentary Spokesman at a packed hall in Dacre.

James is a barrister, is 37 years old and married to Tracy. They have one daughter, Alexandra, who is 3 years old. Tracy is a professional violinist and is Head of Strings at Giggleswick School where Alexandra also attends nursery. Tracy is heavily involved in performing music in our area and is the lead violinist with the Settle Orchestra.

James was delighted to be chosen and said:

"I am very fortunate to be joining a team of talented and committed people. We have experienced and hard working councillors and activists throughout the constituency. We are going to continue to listen to constituents and fight for their rights. I am looking forward to meeting people from all walks of life the length and breadth of the area.

I became involved in politics because I want to help to build a better world for all of us. My mother and father had to leave school when they were 14. They never had the chance to improve their lives. I was brought up on a council estate and my family had to totally rely upon benefits. I know what it is like to have no voice. However, I was fortunate enough to have teachers who believed in me and helped me to get to university and then on to become a barrister. I want to ensure that everyone has a fair chance in life. I am determined to make a difference and to communicate to people that Liberal Democrats stand for Freedom, Fairness and Justice."