Our local candidate for Stoke by-election on 26th July
Connor Clarke, an ex-pupil of Stoke Damerel Primary School, has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Stoke by-election. Connor, who recently completed his second year at Plymouth University, has lived in Plymouth since he was a boy.
Connor said, "It is humbling to have been selected to fight the by-election on July 26th for the Liberal Democrats. I lived for over ten years adjacent to Blockhouse Park, in the heart of Stoke, and after Primary School I was fortunate to be a student at Stoke Damerel Community College. I am well aware of the important role our schools have in their communities and how they must receive proper support locally and nationally to continue inspiring our younger generations. It is thanks to my early education and the support I received, that I was able to go to Plymouth University."
This by-election offers an opportunity to the residents of Stoke to send a message to both Labour and the Conservatives on the issues that matter most to the electors. Connor offers a fresh, independent voice and a new perspective to the Punch-and-Judy nature of politics within the city.
Connor's priorities include: ensuring mental health is treated the same as physical health and for facilities across the city to be expanded, with a reduction on waiting-list times. Stoke is fortunate with its array of green-spaces and parks but that is no guarantee the air we breathe is clean and safe and he will fight to change that. Stoke is also home to many local and independent businesses and their success is also Plymouth's success.
Connor was disappointed to see the new Labour administration increase the allowances given to councillors and said, "I would rather see extra funding spent on supporting our hard-working local businesses, many of whom are struggling to survive."
Connor added, "Philippa Davey set a fine example of how to be a good councillor and if elected I would follow her example. The residents of Stoke will be my only priority and I won't be afraid to work cross-party to get things done. I am looking forward to meeting and talking to as many Stoke residents as possible before July 26th and I hope you can join me and back the Liberal Democrats as a credible alternative for Stoke."