Hackney Liberal Democrats announce general election candidates

Hackney Liberal Democrat candidates (L) Ben Mathis and (R) Simon de Deney

Ben Mathis and Simon de Deney have been selected by Hackney Liberal Democrats as the parliamentary candidates for the upcoming general election in May.

Ben Mathis is standing for Hackney South and Shoreditch, where Meg Hillier is seeking re-election, whilst Simon de Deney is standing for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, where Diane Abbott has been an MP since 1987.

Mathis, a railway worker has lived in Hackney since 2009. He is an environmental campaigner and said he takes a strong interest in protecting Hackney’s environment and green spaces.

Simon de Deney is an actor, writer and director and a third generation Hackney resident.

De Deney has performed at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, the Dalston Ophelia theatre and open air shows in Abney Park. He was Chair of Governors at Shacklewell School for seven years and is currently a governor at Grasmere School.

De Deney ran as a Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Hackney in 2014. His campaign focuses on education and housing.