“It’s time for a change in Slough”, says Matthew Taylor introducing Slough’s Lib Dem candidates

"With the Tory Government underfunding vital local services like policing and health, and the twin threats of Brexit and climate change, it is crucial to elect some councillors in May with new ideas for making the most of the resources that are available", says Matthew Taylor, Lib Dem candidate for Cippenham Meadows. Matthew continued, "As an architect, and keen runner, I would be well placed to promote Slough Lib Dems' new thinking.

It is important to get Lib Dem councillors back on Slough Council to promote changes to tackle Slough's environmental, housing and town centre crises. The Lib Dem manifesto presents joined-up strategies for addressing these and other issues, including boosting health and fitness.

We are demanding that Slough Council should declare a 'Climate Emergency' as other towns have done, and start planning to go carbon neutral by 2030. A key element in achieving this would be a public health approach to improving air quality. On housing, we have identified specific measures that would put the interests of Slough's residents above those of property developers. Activity levels in Slough have slumped since Slough's Labour councillors massively increased charges for hiring sports pitches. We demand this policy is reversed."

The full Lib Dem manifesto is available here: Slough Liberal Democrats 2019 Principles and Priorities

Finally, Robert Plimmer, chair of Slough Lib Dems, said, "I'm delighted Slough Lib Dems have a team of experienced and new candidates. Matthew Taylor is an architect who has lived in Slough for 13 years and campaigns with me in the Cippenham Lib Dem Focus team. Matthew is Taylor-made for Cippenham Meadows. Father and daughter team Niccola and Rod Parkes are standing in Haymill and Lynch Hill, and Upton, respectively. Niccola Parkes is a student based in Haymill, and Rod is a highly experienced IT Manager. Josephine Hanney, a long-time resident of Langley and member of the carnival committee, is standing again in Langley Kedermister. The photo shows Matthew Taylor and Jo Hanney campaigning for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal, with an option to remain in the EU."

Introducing Slough Liberal Democrats Candidates for May 2019:

Cippenham Meadows Ward: Matthew Taylor

Matthew Taylor is an architect who has lived in Slough for thirteen years with his wife and five-year-old son. His experience with building projects locally gives him in-depth knowledge of the planning system and need for sustainable development strategies. Matthew started the campaign to preserve the Horlicks factory, to protect this icon of Slough's industrial past. As a keen runner Matthew advocates exercise to improve mental and physical health, so opposes Slough Council's massive hike in charges for sports pitch hire. As a leading member of the Cippenham Lib Dem Focus team he campaigns on issues including demanding more Council action to improve housing opportunities for Slough residents, and deal with litter and fly-tipping. He helped lead a recent community litter pick in Cippenham.

Haymill and Lynch Hill Ward: Niccola Parkes

Niccola Parkes is based in the Haymill and Lynch Hill Ward and has lived in Slough nearly all her life. After attending Baylis Court School she went to university at Royal Holloway where she was a member of the Dance Society and a cheerleader. She also volunteered for a legal charity centre. Niccola believes Slough's Labour councillors caused various traffic problems, including around Station Road, because they failed to listen to residents properly. Niccola thinks it is important that services in the local area are funded properly by national and local government, and that the voice of young people in Slough is heard. They have so much to lose from Brexit.

Langley Kedermister Ward: Josephine Hanney

Josephine Hanney is married has lived in Langley for over 30 years. She is involved in various community activities, including helping run the Langley carnival. She worked in the community in Slough for the NHS and leisure services. Josephine welcomes the extra money the Lib Dems have pledged to spend to improve mental and other health services. She knows from her own career how important it is to have joined-up policies to promote health and leisure. She is critical of both Slough's Labour councillors and the Tory Government for their cuts to some services and disorganised, piecemeal approach in key areas of health, social care and well-being. She has actively supported the People's Vote campaign.

Upton Ward: Rod Parkes

Rod Parkes and his family have lived in Slough for almost 20 years. He is a passionate music and arts lover. Rod has been an active supporter of Slough for Europe's campaign for a People's Vote on Brexit to allow the people of the UK to vote either to accept the final Brexit deal, or reject it and stay in the EU. Only in conjunction with our European partners can we even begin to tackle the emerging global Climate Emergency and make this world a safer, cleaner place for the generations to come. Tackling homelessness, by ensuring sufficient accessible social housing is available, is also high on his list of priorities.