‘I was drawn to the Lib Dems by their visible, hard-working commitment to local communities’

I have lived in Hounslow for 20 years and have been an active member of the Liberal Democrats since 2016. I was drawn to the party by their visible, hard-working commitment to local communities as much as by their national policies.

Since I joined, I have seen that commitment in boroughs across London, with councillors working to keep neighbourhoods clean, safe and liveable for all. I think it’s never been more important to support a party that offers a credible alternative to Labour and that genuinely represents the interests of all residents, especially in diverse boroughs like Hounslow.

I have cycled around London for decades and I have welcomed the increase in cycle lanes in recent years. I love living so close to the river, with easy access to Hounslow’s wonderful parks.

I can remember being forced off the road many times by surging traffic and it’s good to see many of those green spaces becoming more accessible by bike – allowing families and young people to enjoy car-free journeys.

But I also love driving my car – and I recognise that we need to get the balance between cyclists, drivers and pedestrians right – making sure that our streets are safe for all.

The Liberal Democrats’ manifesto for A fair deal in Hounslow is clear on this, setting out plans for joined-up cycle lanes across the borough – and for improved pedestrian crossings. We would also implement a repair programme for potholes – which we all know are getting worse across West London and which imperil the journeys of drivers and cyclists alike.

I work in theatre marketing – and I’m particularly excited by the Liberal Democrats’ plans to support sports, arts and cultural programmes for young people.

I was lucky enough to be taken by my parents to theatres and art galleries when I was growing up – and throughout my career I have seen at first hand the difference that a thriving cultural hub can make to a community.

I was closely involved in the cancelling and rescheduling of theatres in March 2020 thanks to COVID – and in the re-opening of those same theatres.

It was amazing to see Londoners coming back together and, if nothing else, that experience reminded me of the importance of the arts to our city. So I am a strong believer in the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to making culture more accessible to all.

Finally, the manifesto’s focus on supporting our local economy is very important to me. I help to run an incubator programme for entrepreneurs across the UK – and I’ve seen at first hand the difference that well-focused business support can make to our communities.

I’m proud to be standing as a Liberal Democrat Councillor for Chiswick Riverside.