EAST Hampshire Liberal Democrats have announced their new parliamentary candidate for the next general election. The intense selection battle to choose the next Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for East Hampshire, was concluded last week with the election of councillor Adam Carew, pictured below.  After an extensive interview process, four candidates were selected from a strong field and invited to a packed hustings at Whitehill Village Hall.   Roger Fitzer, chairman of the Liberal Democrat East Hampshire selection panel, said: "Each of the candidates spoke with confidence and commitment and answered a number of searching questions from East Hants members. "However, one candidate stood out above the rest and Adam Carew recorded a convincing victory. On behalf of all of the members of the selection panel, I would like to wish Adam every success in the next general election."   East Hampshire's District Council Liberal Democrat group leader, Tony Ludlow, said: "Adam Carew was elected as PPC for the constituency by a very convincing majority. He has huge energy, and a proven record in East Hampshire.  "He spoke passionately and deserved to win.  "This is the beginning of our General Election campaign and he enters it with our full support." Brian Dash, deputy leader of Hampshire County Council Liberal Democrat group said: "Young Adam is one of the most effective campaigners I know. He is passionate about East Hampshire and he gets results.  "He has much experience on the national stage as chairman of the Green Liberal Democrats. East Hants is a winnable seat and Adam will make a fine MP if succesful."   In an impassioned speech to a packed hall, Adam Carew said: "At 38, I believe, I have the enthusiasm, energy and experience to become East Hampshire's next MP. I have lived here nearly all my life.  "I am proud to have been brought up here and I am passionate about our area. "Tonight, I offer you a clear vision of a fairer, greener, East Hampshire, under the Liberal Democrats. Politics affects everything we do, it's about standing up for our community and making a difference. If I am elected, together, we will make that difference, here in East Hampshire. "I would like to thank East Hampshire Liberal Democrats for their ringing endorsement. We had a very strong field of candidates and a very hard fought and exciting selection battle was waged.   "The contest was intense, but it remained friendly throughout and I have made some excellent new friends in the process. "I inherit a legacy from a long line of popular, hard working Liberal Democrat candidates in East Hampshire, including Tim Slack, Bob Booker and Ruth Bright. This seat is now very winnable and it is largely thanks to them and our enthusiastic supporters, that we are in such a strong position today. "I have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of emails and phone calls of congratulations and support from Lib Dems and supporters from across Hampshire and the South East. With Michael Mates stepping down and the Conservative's decision not to choose a local candidate, this is our best chance in decades, to elect a Liberal Democrat MP here in East Hampshire.  "We have taken seats in Winchester, Eastleigh, Romsey and Portsmouth and we can do it here. The Liberal Democrats were just 5,500 votes behind the Tories at the last general election and there is everything to play for.   "Only the Liberal Democrats can beat the Tories in East Hampshire and we intend to give them a real run for their money." Over the coming months Adam Carew will be addressing community groups and is keen to hear from more.  He ended his victory speech with a challenge. "The next election will be a straight fight between the Lib Dems and the Tories in East Hampshire and I would like to use this opportunity to throw down the gauntlet to the Conservative's parliamentary hopeful, to a good natured debate on the issues,  in September this year."    Ruth Bright, East Hants Lib Dem parliamentary candidate at the last general election has welcomed the selection of her successor. She said: "Adam is a passionate campaigner on the environment and will be an excellent candidate."