Russ Timpson, from Ash, has been selected as the Liberal Democrats' candidate for the Thanet South constituency, which Laura Sandys MP holds.

Last week Conservative Ms Sandys announced she will not stand for re-election in 2015 due to family commitments.

UKIP said the MP's decision may have been influenced by pressure that Nigel Farage could win all the votes if he chooses to stand for the Thanet South seat.

Mr Timpson said: "My principal aim is to focus on job opportunities for young people in the Thanet South area,"

"I intend to adopt and promote a constituency plan for business and jobs in consultation with with local people and businesses."

The 50-year-old lives with his family. He grew up in East Kent and has a deep commitment to the area.

Mr Timpson has worked in both the private and public sectors, initially in the Royal Navy Submarine Service and then the Kent Fire Brigade and the Thanet Fire Station.

He held senior roles in the private sector with Virgin Atlantic and BAA. More recently, he founded and sold a company employing 20 staff across the UK. Currently, he heads an engineering business in East Kent.

"I believe I have a positive contribution to make in our local community. I will be guided by Liberal Democrat principles, combined with pragmatism and a sense of purpose," he added.