Campaigning in 2023
My General Election campaign started back in 2022 when I was selected as the Parliamentary Candidate for Didcot and Wantage. Since then I have been working hard, supporting our district council candidates and also raising issues that matter to residents in our constituency. Here are some examples of what I have been involved in.
Saving Didcot's ticket office
In July, I launched a petition to save Didcot Parkway’s ticket office. We got good coverage in the Oxford Mail/Didcot Herald. As a result of campaigning nationwide, I am pleased to say the proposals for ticket office closures were subsequently withdrawn.
Meeting with the National Farmers' Union
In August, I met with the National Farmers’ Union and local farmers. It was really interesting to hear about their challenges and achievements. They are particularly concerned about constantly changing government policy on environment and farming; rural crime; and the impact of Brexit and poorly-negotiated trade deals on UK farming.
Speaking at LibDem Conference
In September, I spoke at our party conference in favour of an excellent transport motion. The motion calls for railway electrification, reform of rail fares, investment in cycling and walking, and better integration between buses and trains.
Reservoir proposals
In December, I spoke in favour of a motion asking Oxfordshire County Council to do what it can to represent residents’ concerns about the proposals for a reservoir near Steventon/East Hanney. Not all residents oppose the scheme, but many are concerned about the safety of the design; the impact from construction; and whether or not the reservoir is the best way to ensure continuity of water supply.