I’ve always worked where I can make the biggest difference

I am so proud to be the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for this wonderful area. I think I am qualified to serve its constituents for three reasons:

1. I LOVE Folkestone and Hythe

2. I have the experience, skills and, most importantly, the integrity and decency to help fix our broken political system

3. I care passionately about Britain and am not going to stand by while others wreck it

I love Folkestone and Hythe. I grew up here and think it is a sensational place to live - incredible beaches and countryside, not to mention the near continental climate. It has amazing history but is also changing with the times. The High Speed rail link is attracting new people and investment to the area, the Folkestone Harbour Arm and so many other parts of the area are constantly improving and of course it's a gateway to Europe through the Channel Tunnel.

But it also has challenges. Brexit will impact local jobs, may delay critical medical supplies for residents and the M20 could be blocked up with lorries for months. Folkestone and Hythe is also one of the most deprived areas in Kent with one in five children living in low income families. I want to help tackle these challenges and make it an even better place to live.

I have the experience, skills and, most importantly, the integrity and decency to help fix our broken political system.

The role of an MP is to be a:

• Leader: I'm currently Deputy Chief Executive of a large children's charity and have worked for the United Nations, the BBC and have been an adviser to the Secretary of State for International Development

• Local champion: I know Folkestone and Hythe well and absolutely love it

• Law maker: I'm no lawyer but I can bring a common-sense approach to legislation; and,

• Social Worker: Helping people is what I do - I've spent most of my life working in international development helping the world's poorest and I'd bring that commitment to my constituents.

You can read more about my experience here.

Most importantly, I pride myself on being a decent person, who always tries to do the right thing - I think our current politics needs much more of this

I care passionately about Britain and am not going to stand by while others wreck it.

Our country is in crisis, the worst since the late 1970s. Many people feel a visceral sense of insecurity. Their real incomes keep falling, their ability to buy a house diminishing, and the list of global threats - climate change, disease, terrorism - seems to grow constantly. Technology brings benefits but also worries. And then, of course, there is Brexit: whether you are for or against, it brings unknowns and is a source of anger and division.

I've always worked where I can make the biggest difference. For the last 25 years that's been helping the world's poorest. Now I feel I can make the biggest difference by helping Britain to go in the right, not wrong, direction.

I want my two daughters to grow up in a kind, compassionate, tolerant, equal, outward-facing Britain, not one defined by division and hate.

I want to do whatever I can to help make Folkestone and Hythe, and the rest of Britain, a fabulous place to live. I'd be honoured to be your local MP.