General election pitch: Why Stratford should vote for… the Liberal Democrat’s Manuela Perteghella

The choice for local people at this election is not who is going to be in government, but who is going to represent them, stand up for them and fight their corner. Somebody who will be their local champion and deliver the change we all deserve: champion our local services, address the crisis in the NHS, safeguard our precious environment and tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

I want to restore trust in politics, after years of scandals and sleaze, and be the voice of our community in parliament. I shall stand up for all residents as well as local businesses and represent our communities with passion and fairness.

My track record since becoming the district councillor for Welford-on-Avon includes campaigning on many issues affecting our communities – from tackling food insecurity to demanding action on sewage in our rivers; from saving the Meon Vale woods from development to campaigning for better public transport in our rural areas; from opposing the closure of Stratford rail tickets office to demanding Ellen Badger Hospital in Shipston retains its beds.

I have also been a local parish councillor, a local school governor and a volunteer with local groups. By profession, I have worked for many years as a university lecturer and produced community arts projects.

I’m incredibly proud to have been selected to represent the place I call home. It’s where I live, where I am raising my family, and where I serve my community. As a resident, parent and an active member of the community in Stratford-on-Avon, your issues are my issues. This election is deeply personal for me. I shall work tirelessly for you.

After 14 years of this chaotic Conservative government, and a part-time Conservative MP, Stratford-on-Avon needs and deserves a local champion.

On 4th July, the people of our great constituency will have the chance to vote for change, for a fresh start, and to make history.