Two candidates will be going head-to-head to become the Liberal Democrat candidate for the London mayoral race.

As of today, Luisa Porritt and Geeta Sidhu-Robb will be campaigning for members’ votes in a month-long contest, the party has confirmed.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 13.

London Liberal Democrat Party Chair, Ben Sims, said: “We are excited to start this contest to select our candidate for the London Mayoral Election in 2021. The Liberal Democrats are determined to offer Londoners hope for the future and, with two fantastic candidates, whoever wins will be ready to champion our vision.”

Geeta Sidhu-Robb

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Geeta Sidhu-Robb. Photo: London Lib Dems

Geeta Sidhu-Robb is CEO and founder of health and wellbeing company Nosh Detox, and former vice-chair of the People’s Vote Campaign. She is now chairwoman of its successor Democracy Unleashed.

She was born and raised in Malawi, moving to the UK at the age of 15, and has previously been a lawyer.

Geeta Sidhu-Robb, said: “With so many people struggling to make ends meet during the Covid-19 pandemic, Liberal Democrat values are needed now more than ever. I’m ready to champion those core values of fighting poverty, standing up to discrimination and empowering local communities to build a fairer society.”

Luisa Porritt

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Luisa Porritt is leader of the Liberal Democrat Group of Camden Council and a former Liberal Democrat MEP for London. She was also deputy leader of the Lib Dems in the European Parliament.

She has previously been a journalist, managed the UK arm of a French PR company, and taught for the University of London.

Luisa Porritt, said: "As Mayoral candidate, I will bring my experience and energy to drive the Liberal Democrat campaign for a greener, safer and fairer London."