THE former Liberal-Democrat leader of Salisbury District Council is to stand for Parliament, 27 years after his previous campaign.

Paul Sample stood against Robert Key in the 1992 General Election.

In a traditionally Conservative heartland, Mr Sample led Salisbury Lib-Dems to their highest ever number, with 22,573. This left the Conservatives with a much-reduced majority of less than 9,000.

Mr Sample, aged 55, feels now is the right time to re-enter the political fray.

Mr Sample said: “I am coming back into politics late, but I think I have an advantage as I have years of employment and a family.”

The former councillor says he is worried about a lack of concern for the elderly in south Wiltshire, and thinks it is an area that has been neglected by the government.

He also believes that a snap General Election is a realistic possibility in the aftermath of the EU Referendum, despite the prime minister Theresa May ruling out the idea in an interview on the Andrew Marr show on Sunday.

Mr Sample said: “The Tory government under Theresa May will probably call an election, if not after their party conference in September, then next May.

“The infighting and weakness of the Labour party means that there is no viable alternative to Mrs May, with that in mind I think it will happen.”

The coalition government formed in 2010 was the first time in nearly 80 years that the Liberals had experienced a share of power, and the first time as the Liberal-Democrats.

Being seen to collaborate with the Conservatives seriously tarnished the reputation of many Lib-Dem MPs and led to the near annihilation of the party in the 2015 election.

Mr Sample is under no illusions that the reputation and credibility of his party took a political battering, but believes that they will “strike back”.

He said: “We were not used to power and neither were the country. We paid the price of being in government with the Tories, but what other choice did we have?

“I think the situation with Mr Corbyn is creating a void, one which we can and will fill.”

He added: “People are still unsure, but history shows that we are an honourable party, and in time I think the constituents will realise that and warm to us once again.”