THE Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Tatton constituency has a mission to bring ‘competency, compassion, integrity and service back into politics’.

Jonathan Smith is standing for the party in Tatton in the General Election on July 4.

He said: “I am proud to be representing the Liberal Democrats, once again, at a General Election, for the Tatton constituency.

“After the 2019 election, when I increased the Lib Dem vote by 74%, I realised that the principles and policies of liberal democracy were, for the people of Tatton, a valued alternative to the extreme views of my main opponents.

READ MORE > All the candidates standing in Tatton in General Election

“I committed myself to continue working across the constituency, and have done so, for all of these last four-and-a-half years. I have campaigned on many issues of concern for local people, with big successes on the environment and in health.

“My wife, Alison, and I have lived just down the road in Bowdon, for over 31 years. We brought our four children through secondary education locally, and have had strong links with Lymm, Knutsford, Wilmslow. We value all the fantastic places across Cheshire, for enjoying the countryside; for shopping; for entertainment and for leisure. Since COVID, I have also been singing each week in a local choir.

“Since October last year, when Lymm was brought into Tatton, I have added to my personal knowledge of the village by getting to know more about its politics and its challenges. I joined the brilliant local Lib Dem team, and helped deliver and canvas with them in the run up to the local elections. I celebrated with them on a spectacular result with a 62% vote share for the Warrington Borough Council seats, winning all of them!

“I have had a long career, at a very senior level, in public services as a director of social services and strategic director in local government, and as a chief executive in the NHS. I then became a specialist in children’s services, working across Cheshire and Merseyside, finishing my professional career as a chair of safeguarding conferences and other key meetings about vulnerable children.

“I am confident that this wealth of key experience would enable me to make a significant contribution, both locally and at Westminster, in rescuing us all from the terrifying decline in health and social care services. I would be honoured and privileged to become the new Tatton MP.”