Party Picks Stylist

The Liberal Democrats have selected the person they believe can help them restyle politics in Brentwood. Nigel Clarke, hair stylist and owner of The Hair Company in Crown Street, is one of the party's prospective candidates for the 2008 borough council elections.

Nigel, 51, who lives in Brentwood town centre with the eldest of his three daughters, Gabriella, 20, will fight for the Brentwood West seat in May.

He said: "I have had my shop for 14 years now so I know what goes on in this town, and living right in the heart of Brentwood, I am ideally placed to speak up for residents.

"I've worked hard with the town centre partnership and have a history of getting things done for smaller, independent retailers. I played a key role in making Crown Street part of the Christmas celebrations."