Alan Matthews - Bushey North Ward - Lib Dem By-election candidate

From my long experience in local government, I know the positive impact that can be achieved when socially-responsible people work together at a local level. I want to help make a better Bushey while protecting our green spaces, environment, and local heritage.

Most of my working life was in social housing; my last job was as Director of housing needs in a large London borough ensuring fair access and promotion of opportunities to those in the greatest need. Following retirement, I have been arbitrating on homelessness disputes between local authorities.

I have a strong sense of social justice and a commitment to address disadvantage and inequality. We must ensure that adequate support is provided to the most vulnerable who've been hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic. But the biggest issue, threatening our very existence, is tackling the climate emergency and, rather than simply setting bold targets, we must develop and implement measures to reduce use of fossil fuels, by promoting alternative heating systems, home insulation, roof top solar panels, better public transport to reduce car use, and tackling environmental pollution.

I chaired the "Save Windmill House" campaign to retain an intermediate care home providing essential support to older people and avoiding NHS bed-blocking. I help out at an Over 60s' Club (run by my wife) and am a member of Friends of Bushey Seniors Committee (which promotes leisure activities for older people living in the area).

With your support, I'll be joining a LibDem team with a proven track record of tackling the issues facing local residents. We need to ensure that north Bushey is not overlooked and that measures are introduced to address dangerous rat-runs, discourage commuter parking, and that we work in partnership with Community Policing to take effective action to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour.