Why I am a Liberal Democrat

I want to live in a country where less advantaged citizens are treated fairly and where opportunity is open to all. The Liberal Democrats, free of the vested interests that bind the other main parties, are best placed to pursue both a stronger economy and a fairer society. And Liberal Democrats have a record of doing just that in national and local government.

I want my vote to count, wherever I live. And I want to be able to cast a vote for my most preferred candidate without fear that this will let in my least preferred candidate. The Liberal Democrats are the only major party committed to reform of our first past the post voting system.

I believe that if a decision can be taken locally it should be taken locally. Liberal Democrats have a proud record of service on local councils, looking after the interests of local communities. But I am convinced that Britain would be stronger retaining close ties with our friends in the EU. Big decisions - on climate change, management of scarce resources and control of multinational companies - need to be taken together with our European partners. And the prosperity of our country, especially for our children and grandchildren, will be substantially harmed if we continue down this current government's Hard Brexit route. The Liberal Democrats are the only major party unequivocally in favour of Britain retaining the closest possible ties with the European Union.