Liberal Democrat in Hampshire | Previously at
@Europarl_EN
now consultant in planning | Love sustainability, equality, my plants and my very spoilt cat | he/him
Even the Cass Review did not recommend this.
This is a socially conservative government that is not interested in defending trans people from the insidious culture war of the Conservatives and far right.
Politicians have a duty to listen to professionals and act with compassion
🚨 BREAKING: Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said he intends to ban puberty blockers for trans children.
Jo Maugham, Director of the Good Law Project, reported today that "subject to the outcome of the court proceedings and consultation" Streeting will ban puberty blockers.
🔵🧱🔨 The Liberal Democrats have just defeated the last Conservative councillor in Portsmouth South!
The only party to make gains in Portsmouth South are
@portsmouthld
, and the Conservatives are now completely gone.
This is particularly astounding from Donna Jones, who once led Portsmouth. Our city sacrificed a great deal to defeat fascism, and it should not be represented by someone who leaves the door open to fascists today.
PCC
@DonnaJonesPCC
has released a bizarre statement saying the “only way to stem the tide of violent disorder” is for govt to see them as political protestors with a just cause
“Arresting people… is treating the symptom not the cause”
She deleted the statement but it’s here
Absolutely delighted to have been selected to represent the Liberal Democrats in Portsmouth South at the General Election.
Our city is taking real action on climate change thanks to Lib Dem leadership. Let's take that determination to Westminster 💪🔶🌳
An utterly outrageous statement from Donna Jones. She does not speak for us.
The far right thugs that have caused chaos on our streets do not deserve her excuses and equivocation. They deserve the full force of the law and I trust they will get it.
I trust the shadow Home Secretary
@JamesCleverly
& shadow Lord Chancellor, Edward Argar, will swiftly disassociate their party from this deeply irresponsible statement from the Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones🤦🏻♂️
The Conservatives have given up in Portsmouth.
We are now less than six weeks away from the General Election, yet the Conservatives haven't found anyone to stand for Portsmouth South.
They are so unpopular on the doorstep. Can they even find anyone to do it?
Extremely proud to tell Lib Dem leader
@EdwardJDavey
about our success in Portsmouth last night.
Our team smashed it. The last Tory in Portsmouth South is gone and we were the only party to gain seats in the constituency. 🔶
I'm campaigning to be Portsmouth South's next Lib Dem MP.
From our NHS to the sewage dumped along our coast, Portsmouth deserves a fair deal.
It's time for real change.
Published and promoted by D. Sanders on behalf of C. Murphy (Lib Dem) both at 220 Fratton Road, PO1 5HH
@WHG17
@ByDonkeys
@sainsburys
This isn't closing down speech. This is a conscious choice not to partake in funding odious individuals. Individual action not to support speakers financially is healthy in a democratic and open society.
An absolute delight to join
@DannyVet
on his campaign to be Winchester's next Liberal Democrat MP.
(And later the fantastic chilli and cheese festival where I found some great currywurst)
Danny is leading the fight for change in Winchester.
London Labour lied to voters about how the Mayoral Election worked.
London Labour lied about how the Assembly works.
London Labour lied about 'coalitions' in the Assembly.
London Labour lied about refusing to do the job they were elected to do.
Then, they blame others for it. 🥀
We're ready. It's time to shut the Tories out of Portsmouth South for good.
You trust us to run the city well. Elect a local champion who will stand up for Portsmouth.
In six weeks, let's hope the Tories are locked out of government for a long time.
Had Chris Davies been an MP then no deal
#Brexit
would have won again tonight, don't let him back in.
@DoddsJane
can win in Brecon and Radnorshire, but we all need to pitch in.
History is changing right now, don't let it slide back 💪
A stellar result for the Liberal Democrats this week. 72 MPs working hard to hold the incoming government to account.
Couldn't be prouder to be part of that. We're no longer beholden to the Conservative psychodrama. While they fiddle and scheme, we'll be an effective opposition
Our MPs will be a positive, constructive voice in opposition - scrutinising this government, holding them to account, fighting for our ideas and asking the tough questions when needed.
I'm proud to have increased the Lib Dem vote share in Portsmouth South for the first time since 2010.
That's only possible thanks to the 4,886 people who put their trust in me. To each and every one of you, and to every volunteer and helper who kept our campaign going, thank you
An early night for me now ahead of a big day tomorrow.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has helped, spoken to us or already voted for me by post.
Remember to take photo ID to vote from 7am to 10pm. Find your polling station:
A disaster for young people's independence. I can't imagine why Labour MPs would support this. What happens to young families? Why don't young people deserve the quality of life other adults have?
@kimleadbeater
's Graduate Driving License bill will have its second reading on May 17th.
I fully support this bill and
@owe65332
with her petition to push for Graduate Driving Licenses.
You can find the petition below:
The Liberal Democrat youth wing is about to vote to call for the expulsion of a man who was leader of the party until 2 years ago.
Pretty stunning that Young Liberals seem overwhelmingly supportive of kicking out Vince Cable.
Senior Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg suggested the Conservatives' voter ID policy was a 'gerrymandering scheme' gone wrong.
Political parties have no business taking away anyone's vote. Let's scrap it for good.
Great day campaigning in Southsea and Eastney today.
I'm so grateful for those who spoke to us (particularly the newbies getting involved!)
The Conservatives can't win in Portsmouth South. It's a two horse race between me and another Labour MP.
In an unexpected turn of the General Election, I've had a lot of emails about cats today.
Allow me to introduce Oscar, who plays a vital role in
@PortsmouthLD
candidate support team.
He's not told me how he will vote on 4 July, but I think it's looking promising.
Portsmouth is turning a delightful gold!
Residents across the city are showing they want real change at the coming General Election.
Thanks to those who have a poster already, and to
@LeeHunt6
and Richard who have been key.
Want yours?
As polls come to a close, I think it's worth taking a quick reflection. We're really pleased that so many people came out and
#VotedLibDem
today, but we should also be really thankful.
Many voted against their lifelong parties to
#StopBrexit
, that took guts. Thank you so much.
An excellent reception in Southsea today! Thank you to all those who stopped by to speak to us. Lots on sewage dumping, the NHS and cost of living.
People here know the Conservatives can't win. They're ready for real change, and they're backing the Lib Dems to deliver.
@PaulBrandITV
@GMB
the campaign is to start by insulating social housing though right? given that insulation costs can be high for an individual (and idk if he owns his home) this seems like a distraction
Having London's coach hub in Victoria is pretty nonsensical. The coaches don't often stop elsewhere in London, so instead they trek into the centre of a polluted city, polluting it more. The coaches duplicate the trips that the Underground and conventional railways already make.
A speech like this back in 2016 was one of my reasons for joining the Liberal Democrats in the first place.
Some of the most desperate people in the world, escaping untold horror, deserve basic human decency, respect and a safe harbour at the very least.
WASPI women have waited too long for fair compensation. They should be promptly and properly compensated in line with the recommendations of the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
Conservative voters in Southsea are furious with how the party has acted in government.
Lots of lifelong Conservatives are now backing me and the Liberal Democrats.
Chaos. Have they given up or do they just not care?
While they squabble,
@portsmouthld
are working hard for Portsmouth and picked me as a local candidate months ago.
I have a positive, ambitious plan for our city:
🔵 PORTSMOUTH SOUTH: Tories revolt. I hear local members met Sunday & rejected Signe Arkell, candidate of Cons HQ. Instead they picked own nominee, Thomas Ross, just 24. I hear Cons HQ now by-passing local party to collect signatures to ensure Arkell nominated by Friday.
A busy evening! General Election leaflets going out in Old Portsmouth, Southsea and Landport thanks to our stellar team of volunteers all over the city 🔶🔶
A rare half day today due to father's day.
I spent the morning having breakfast with dad and family, then right back to it!
This time, popping down the road to give
@DannyVet
a hand with Lib Dems from across the country.
I'm backing the Climate and Nature Bill.
Our climate is facing a crisis that demands immediate, decisive action.
Oil and gas giants must pay their fair share and we must invest swiftly.
Depressing. Earlier today we saw reports in the Times that Labour were considering a youth mobility scheme proposed by the EU.
Serves me right for feeling optimistic that when they said change they meant it. Clearly they didn't. 😞
Just when I thought Labour were beginning to see sense on Europe🤦🏻♂️
Ruling out a youth mobility scheme is exceedingly bad news for young people, small businesses & universities and will do nothing to rekindle trust with our EU neighbours.
What a weekend!! Thank you to Felix and the St Thomas ward and Old Portsmouth Lib Dem team (who craftily escaped the campaign selfie).
People are horrified by this Conservative government, but they're looking for an alternative to Starmer's Labour. I'm proud to offer that.
A candidate for President of the Liberal Democrats openly pandering to transphobes. If you're a Lib Dem member then vote for Mark Pack or Lucy Nethsingha and make sure bigotry keeps losing.
@KatyGilroyBlog
@LucyMorley1
@doctor_katie
I think she's (rightly) pointing out that the crisis point in mental health should be treated as importantly as the crisis point in physical health. Clearly there's a very big gulf in how the two are considered
What a fantastic morning! People really are fed up with the Conservatives. Time is up for Rishi Sunak and he knows it.
The Liberal Democrats are your best route to Tory Removal in the blue wall. 🔶💪
Liberal Democrats made gains in 134 areas in these local elections. A truly fantastic result which all should be proud of. The Lib Dems are back!
#LocalElection19
#BrexitBacklash
A bit of a day out in South Glos today to support
@ClaireforTAY
People on the door know it's between the Liberal Democrats and the Tories in Thornbury and Yate. They're ready for change. People here know Claire already works hard for them and would make a great MP.
Great to deliver positive news! Portsmouth elects Liberal Democrats who are delivering for residents.
🏊 NEW swimming pool
🏥 NEW GP surgery
⚡Electric charging for ships at the International Port
🌊 More progress on vital sea defences in Southsea
"For every one seat lost to Labour, the Tories lose TWO to the Lib Dems"
@bbclaurak
Fantastic news for the Liberal Democrats tonight. Eyes on rural Tory seats now.
A big, big thank you to everyone who came to the Portsmouth South hustings at Portsmouth Cathedral.
Some really great questions about the future of our country. I'm optimistic about what we can achieve together from the NHS to action against sewage dumping.
If we are unable to enforce the existing ban and a Tory MP was smoking at 12, how exactly are we going to enforce a smoking ban that distinguishes between adults?
🚬 Laura Farris tells LBC she started smoking when she was 12…
Safeguarding Minister tells Nick Ferrari she will be voting for a ban “with enthusiasm”
Also admits she hasn’t told her children about her previous habits
@LBC
@NickFerrariLBC
So proud to have helped on Danny's campaign. This is exactly the kind of MP Hampshire has needed for so long. Finally we have a progressive, sensible voice in Parliament.
If you are hungry in school, you're not going to be able to concentrate.
If we care about our children's life chances, and if we want to grow the economy, we need to ensure that kids are getting a good education, so I am calling for
#FreeSchoolMealsForAll
@NoChildBehindUK
Pleased to hear the moving debate on fighting child poverty at Liberal Democrat conference.
Child poverty is one of the most pressing issues for us to tackle. No child should grow up in poverty in modern Britain.
#LDConf
💥 Bombshell 💥 from Professor Alex Ford at Portsmouth University.
EVERY species of marine life they have looked at in Langstone Harbour is "full of cocaine" thanks to Southern Water's sewage dumping.
How can this go on?!
I've just wrapped up in Fratton! A matter of hours now until polls open in Portsmouth.
It's a clear choice:
🔸 Lib Dem-led Portsmouth has a balanced budget and protected services.
🥀 Nearby, Labour-run Southampton is turning off street lights and on the brink of bankruptcy.
Official tactical voting verdict: The Conservatives won't win Portsmouth South.
It'll be between me as a Portsmouth local, or yet another Labour MP. I'm campaigning for real change and a Fair Deal for Portsmouth.
More on my campaign:
What's going to surprise Vince Cable more this morning?
A) That the Young Liberals called for his expulsion
or
B) That he's now the hero of XxJinpingEnjoyer69xX on Twitter
A mandate like that is built on trust. The first acts of this Labour government are not building that trust at all.
Already they've:
🇪🇺 Rejected plans for EU youth mobility
✂️ Laid the ground for more austerity
💷 Been exposed giving a Labour donor a pass to No. 10...
🚨 NEW: Keir Starmer will say on Tuesday that he needs 10 years as Prime Minister to rebuild the country following the ‘rubble and ruin’ left by the Tories
[
@thetimes
]
In Lib Dem-run Portsmouth the good news 👏 does 👏 not 👏 stop!
£48 MILLION won for our city's bus services, meaning a better service including 24/7 buses and new electric vehicles.
Out spreading the good word in Fratton today for
@stu16486
and
@Rayne360
💪🔶
Out on the doors again today in sunny Southsea for Hugh Mason, a hard-working Liberal Democrat councillor for St Jude's
Hugely positive response for Hugh, residents here know that Portsmouth's Liberal Democrat councillors make a difference
🚨 BREAKING: Green Party votes in favour of HS2.
The party previously opposed HS2, but members overturned this and the party is now committed to backing all phases of the infrastructure project.
The vote was 52% for, 48% against.
Fellow Lib Dems, fellow eurofederalists, anyone remotely aligned with the pro-European movement, I urge you bide your time. I want to rejoin the EU too but we must be so sensitive and careful with our timing. Jumping the gun will keep us out of Europe for longer.
The Liberal Democrat youth wing is about to vote to call for the expulsion of a man who was leader of the party until 2 years ago.
Pretty stunning that Young Liberals seem overwhelmingly supportive of kicking out Vince Cable.
Great from
@Feargal_Sharkey
. Water companies already make billions in profit.
Lets start by banning bonuses for their executives and imposing a new sewage tax on their £2.2 billion in profits. Enough is enough.
Ed Davey isn't the right-wing messiah the right of the party thinks he's going to be. He's got a phenomenal record on fighting climate change as a minister, and is just as progressive as our other MPs. But weu won't get asked about that. We'll be asked about benefit cuts.
Honestly my proudest moment today remains launching the response to a socialist chant;
Them: “Make some noise if love socialism!”
Lib Dems: [Enormous and immediate roar of “Where’s Jeremy Corbyn” repeatedly]
Their own ranks started chanting it too, much to their dismay
@worcesterlibs
I was going to avoid commenting, but I see you've actually considered the circumstances around the member in question. I had initially assumed it was just ignorance, but instead it seems to have been a considered judgement? This doesn't fit our values and sends a horrid message.
Labour are fiddling the facts this morning in Portsmouth after their MP voted to weaken the sewage dumping watchdog.
The Liberal Democrats have the strongest plan to tackle sewage in the city. We are going to take shareholders out of the driving seat 👇
"You're doing a fantastic job!" that's the reception
@WaverleyLibDems
are getting on the doorstep here in Haslemere.
A very rainy, but very positive morning!
Such a privilege to be out with such a great team in Southsea today.
Lots of interesting conversations. People in Southsea know the Conservatives cannot win but they want a real alternative to Labour.
As is often the case, the Southsea sun defied expectations! ☀️☀️
The housing crisis is driving down our living conditions and rapidly consuming our economy. It cannot go on like this, the only way out of this catastrophe is to build decent homes, and lots of them.
Me for
@libdemvoice
on why "crisis" doesn't cut it:
NEW: I and Leader of Portsmouth City Council
@Steve__Pitt
have asked Grant Shapps to rule out selling or mothballing HMS Prince of Wales following reports last week. Her sale would be madness and jeopardise our security.
@ChrisGPackham
@WildlifeTrusts
Chris, this is mere streets away from me. I walk around here with my dog. It's currently a shooting range.
My area desperately needs homes. I am locked out of my own community by rocketing house prices due to constricted supply. Please don't wade in only to make that worse.
I spent years teaching young people how to sail on Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent. It is heartbreaking to see our coast treated this way.
Southern Water keep getting away with it! Our MPs voted to make it harder to issue fines less than a month ago.
We have the chance to get the Conservatives out of Portsmouth South for good.
Less than 10 years ago they won the seat, this time it looks like they will be relegated to third place.
Register to vote by 23:59 today. We can get the Conservatives out for good.
Portsmouth is the second most densely populated city outside of London. We need the public transport powers to match that.
All I ask of the next government is ambition. I just don't see that alternative from Labour.
More in
@portsmouthnews
today 👇
I don't want this 2p National Insurance cut. I want our public services to start working again. I want investment in infrastructure. I want my friend to get the surgery they need without years of waiting and delays. I want our A&Es to work safely and ambulances to arrive. I want
For the first time since I joined the Lib Dems in 2016, there's now a Young Liberals MP.
I'll be in Maidenhead tomorrow to support Josh, we've been in dire need of more progressive voices from our generation in Parliament 👇
What a huge month! I just got around to looking back on my second month as the Lib Dem candidate for Portsmouth South.
It's been a busy one, there wasn't quite enough space for everything in my April report 👇
Great time today supporting
@JoshReynoldsSL6
, the
@YoungLiberalsUK
MP for Maidenhead.
What a historic result. From Theresa May to the youngest Lib Dem MP of this Parliament! 💪🔶