Why I am running to be Epping Forest's new MP

I am proud to have been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the area where I was brought up and where local residents have elected me to represent them on the council.

As a Liberal Democrat MP I'd use my vote in Parliament to stop the Brexit mess, support real action to tackle the climate emergency and improve our neglected public services. I will be a strong local voice on behalf of my fellow Epping Forest residents.

Epping Forest is a fantastic place to live but for many people things aren't working as they should be. Whether it's patients waiting too long for their doctor's appointment, commuters whose life is consistently disrupted by central line delays and over-crowding or families struggling to balance their budget each month, our area has its fair share of challenges.

The Liberal Democrats will put a penny in the pound on income tax to give the NHS and social care services additional resources. We will reverse cuts to public health, and boost spending on mental health to meet our goal of parity between mental and physical health care. Children in particular have to wait far too long for mental health support, as I know from my experiences as a school governor in Epping Forest.

As a local Liberal Democrat councillor, I have been at the forefront of challenging poorly considered policies in the Conservatives' controversial local development plan. Along with residents I've successfully campaigned to keep a sports centre in Epping. I appeared at the local plan hearing to express residents' concerns about the impact of new development in the wrong locations and the need for adequate infrastructure and services.

The Conservatives have relaxed planning laws in the Green Belt. As an MP I would be able to take the fight to protect our Green Belt into Parliament. I will also argue for reform to the business rate system which currently life so difficult for our high street businesses.

The Lib Dems came second in Epping Forest district in both the European Elections in June and the local elections in May this year in terms of vote share.

The Liberal Democrats have an ambitious plan for the future of our country, where every person, every community and our planet can thrive.

With the support of local people, I will work hard to build a brighter future for us all.