Laura Barker selected as Liberal Democrat candidate for Staines by-election.

My name is Laura Barker and I’m standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate in the Staines by-election on the 16th of October.

Staines is my home: I have lived here for over a decade. There is little I enjoy more than walking my dog Penny by the river. However, it saddens me to see the polluted state of the water, which has occurred as a result of corporate greed. Cleaning up our rivers is one of the Liberal Democrats’ top priorities.

I love Staines. Sadly, empty units on the high street and anti-social behaviour are making it less attractive. Many people in our town don’t feel safe, especially women. This is why the Lib Dems want to invest more money into community policing. Despite the best efforts of fantastic community organisations like the Spelthorne Litter Pickers, littering also continues to be a significant problem in Staines. When an area looks run down and neglected, crime only escalates.

Having seen what my husband, Cllr. Harry Boparai, has achieved as a local councillor I would also like the opportunity to improve the lives of local residents. As a mother to three children who attend local state schools, I know the challenges young people and parents face in our area. Conservative cuts to youth services, to our libraries, community hubs and youth centres, have decimated opportunities for young people and damaged the social fabric of our nation. 

This is why I am privileged to work for an organisation which uses the power of sport to transform the lives of young people. I have seen first hand the importance of positive role models and, if elected, I will push for Spelthorne Borough Council to do more in this area.

Climate change poses the greatest threat to the future of our planet. I am appalled at the complacency of the Conservative and Labour governments in tackling the climate change emergency. The Lib Dems form the largest group in the current administration at Spelthorne Council, but we do not yet have an outright majority. 

The more Lib Dem councillors you elect, the greener Staines will become. You only need to look at neighbouring Lib Dem controlled Richmond to see what can be achieved.

Please consider casting your vote for me on the 16th of October. You can contact me at laurakbarker@gmail.com

With best wishes

Laura Barker