ROBERT Eggleston has been elected to fight the next general election for Mid Sussex.

There was a large turnout at the hustings in Haywards Heath Town Council building where Robert received more than 90 per cent of the members’ vote.

Robert is currently Chair of the Burgess Hill Lib Dem Branch.

He has been an active member of the party since joining in 1973 when he was 16.

Robert has council experience having previously served on Burgess Hill Town, Mid Sussex District and East Sussex County Councils.

Robert’s work background is in asset finance helping businesses invest in essential equipment.

In recent years he retrained and qualified as a solicitor and now works as an in-house corporate lawyer.

He is married to Hilary and has two grown up daughters who were both educated at local state schools.

Robert is well known locally for his support for charity and community life.

He has championed Fairtrade in Burgess Hill, promoted a series of annual music festivals in this cause and was part of the team who helped achieve Fairtrade status for West Sussex.

He performs music as well as promoting local concerts.

Robert is a tireless champion of liberal values, particularly in support of the poor and disadvantaged.

He has also been a critic in opposition to the Tories in local government.

In a rousing speech to members at his election,, he laid out a strategy for gaining the Mid Sussex seat for the Liberal Democrats.

Robert said: “My Liberal Democrat vision for Mid Sussex is for a place which values education and vocational skills, and encourages enterprise in a modern connected economy.

“It is green and manages development in a way which protects communities.

“It provides properly funded health and social care.

“It is open, tolerant and outward looking, embracing international partnerships and obligations.”

Mid Sussex is always viewed as a safe Tory seat.

The LibDems are hoping that will not be the case at the next general election.