Former Green candidate to stand for Liberal Democrats in Southwark local elections

Southwark Liberal Democrats have announced Lina Usma as their second council candidate for St George’s ward in May’s local elections, having previously stood for the Green Party in 2022 in Newington. 

If elected with Cllr Graham Neale, who will be restanding in May, Lina will be taking over from Cllr Maria Linforth-Hall – who will be retiring from Southwark council after 12 years of service. 

Lina, who is originally from Colombia, has said she hopes to continue Maria’s hard work championing the local Latin American community, as well as tackling issues around housing, crime, and the cost of living in St George’s ward and across Southwark. 

Lina first moved to the UK in 1996 with her husband, and runs Extra International, the largest newspaper in London for the Spanish-speaking Latin American community. 

The news comes as another boost to the momentum behind the Liberal Democrats – and demonstrates that the challenge to Labour in Southwark comes from the only other elected party on the council. 

Commenting, Lina Usma said: 

“I’m delighted to be standing for the Liberal Democrats in May – I joined the party understanding that they share my values on internationalism, the environment, and social justice, but also knowing that they are the only ones able to meaningfully challenge a Labour council that has been letting us down. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and talking to as many people across the ward as possible, and being a voice for them on the council.”

St George's ward councillor Cllr Maria Linforth-Hall added:

“Lina will be a fantastic champion for the Latin American community here in Southwark, and for all residents in St George’s Ward. She has my wholehearted support in taking over the reins and joining Graham on the council. They will make a formidable team together – St George’s will be left in excellent hands!”

Southwark Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain added:

“It’s really exciting to have Lina join the team in St George’s ward, and shows there’s real momentum behind us for May. I know she’s going to be a real asset on the council group and will be a champion for residents in St George’s Ward. Across Southwark we’re speaking to more and more people like Lina who are coming to us from the Green Party and Labour Party, because they know we share some of their core values and are the only ones who are able to kick Labour out in May.”