LIBERAL Democrats have re-selected pensions minister Steve Webb as their candidate for the Thornbury and Yate constituency at the next general election.

Mr Webb won unanimous backing from members at a packed adoption meeting in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.

He said: "I am humbled and honoured to be invited by my local party colleagues to fight a fifth general election.

"We are a strong team of hard working and committed community campaigners, tackling everything from pavements and potholes in the local area to the great issues of state in Government.

"I believe that we have a very positive story to tell about the difference that we have made in Government, despite the difficult economic backdrop, and I look forward to getting the message out in the coming months."

Constituency chairwoman Karen Wilkinson, who chaired the meeting, said: “It was obvious from the meeting how well-loved and respected Steve is, not only among committed Liberal Democrats but among the wider community.

"We are unanimous that we want Steve to be our candidate in 2015 and I look forward to working alongside him to achieve another excellent result at the next election”.

Mr Webb was first elected for the former Northavon constituency in 1997, taking the seat from the Conservatives.

He has since won a further four elections and currently has a majority of 7,116. He was appointed pensions minister in the coalition Government in May 2010.

At the adoption meeting, he outlined achievements since the coalition was formed, including raising the tax-free income tax threshold to £10,000.

He also spoke about his own ministerial work, restoring the "earnings link" to the basic state pension and overseeing a programme to ensure millions of workers get a workplace pension for the first time.