Born in Ipswich, David has come very late to party politics. Having had a varied and successful career in telecommunications in London and for a couple of years Rome, David returned to Suffolk to retire. Initially he lived in Chelsworth where he spent 4 years chairing the parish meetings. an experience which reinforced his belief in community involvement and decision-making'

Disgust with the increasing turmoil in Westminster and growing examples of law-breaking and poor personal behaviors caused him to get involved in party politics for the first time when he joined the Lib. Dems attracted by their track record on equality, fairness, and practical action on climate change.

When these same ideological arguments and splits spilled over into the local Conservative party, at one time seeing councilors boycotting a council meeting, he decided he would put himself forward for election to the District Council

The Lib Dems recently completed a resident survey locally which highlighted the need to keep the town clean and commercially vibrant, to push harder on environmental issues without sacrificing prime farmland for solar farms and to take more action to combat fly-tipping. These issues can be seen reflected in his personal manifesto

David commented on what this means for what he would like to achieve.

He said: "I plan to focus my attention on 4 areas if I am elected:

Climate change

Babergh has a decent reputation around recycling and de-carbonizing council operations but it lags behind what others are achieving. In contrast with Green Party led Brighton council which has one of the worst re-cycling rates in southern England, all of the top 6 performing English councils on recycling are all led by Liberal Democrats. I want to learn lessons from them on what works to actively implement policies to get the council to net zero operations. I support solar farms but not when they are sited on high yielding farmland

Planning

We are fortunate to live somewhere that is rated in polls as one of the best locations in Suffolk. Beautiful countryside and a bustling town centre populated primarily with local shops and restaurants. This needs to be cherished and protected and kept clean

In recent years the north of Hadleigh has seen major development and expansion. Without careful management such expansion risks overwhelming the health and education services provided. Looking forward we must ensure that any future growth is managed with this in mind.

Jobs

Babergh risks becoming a dormitory settlement for Ipswich with many commuting into the town to work as the morning traffic queues on the A1071 well illustrate. With our proximity to London and Cambridge and a fantastic living environment we should be well placed to attract more green and hi-tech jobs to the area. I would want to work with business to understand what more we can do to attract more investment and jobs to our area

Affordable Housing

We have shortages of both social and smaller retirement housing in Babergh making it difficult for our kids to get on the housing ladder and our retirees to downsize and stay in their communities. I want to see how Babergh can help address these gaps in our housing stock in future developments.

Above all I want to represent your views into the Council. I will always put the needs of our community above all others even if it requires me to vote against the policy of my Party. Integrity and honesty not ideology matter most to me. You will get both if am elected"

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: facebook.com/southsuffolkliberaldemocrats/

Twitter: @southsuffolkld

*Editors note: All candidates in the Hadleigh and surrounding villages, district or parish, can send their details as a readers' letter by using the black Nub It button here...