THE Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate for the Barnet and Camden seat in City Hall.

Youth counsellor Zack Polanski, of Mornington Crescent, will fight for the London Assembly seat in May’s elections.

The party said it picked the 33-year-old due to his focus on the difficulties facing private tenants across the two boroughs.

Mr Polanski said: “There is a lot of emphasis from politicians on Londoners buying and selling houses. Whilst this is vitally important, as a young person I know only too well the pressures on a whole new generation of people in our city who simply can't afford to even rent a flat.

“Young families face increasing uncertainty about the ballooning costs of renting with no opportunity to save a deposit to purchase in the future. This is not sustainable.

“Generation Rent needs an advocate in City Hall to stand up for fairer rents and greater transparency in the letting sector.”

Liberal Democrat Councillor Jack Cohen, who represents Child Hill, said: “Zack is a great campaigner who experiences first-hand the challenges facing our society today. He will be a real asset for London in speaking up for those often forgotten by City Hall.”

Mr Polanski will campaign alongside the party’s mayoral candidate Caroline Pigeon, who has been on the London Assembly since 2008.

He will challenge the incumbent London Assembly member, Labour’s Andrew Dismore, Conservative candidate Councillor Dan Thomas, and the Green Party’s candidate Stephen Taylor.