KENSINGTON and Chelsea's Liberal Democrats have chosen the man they want to steal Sir Malcolm Rifkind's seat at the next election.

Local party chairman Robin Meltzer will stand as Lib Dem candidate in Britain's next General Election, tipped to be held in May, 2010.

He will stand for the newlyformed Kensington seat - which covers Kensington and North Kensington but not Chelsea.

He faces stiff competition from Tory legend and former foreign secretary, Sir Malcolm, and Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate Sam Gurney.

Commenting on his selection, TV producer Mr Meltzer, who has just celebrated the Lib Dems winning their first borough council seat, said: "It will be a genuine honour to stand for parliament in my home constituency at the next election.

"It's time we had an MP who really listened to people round here and got things done locally."