The Watford Observer asked parliamentary candidates for Hertsmere, what they would do for the constituency if elected.

Here Sophie Bowler, Liberal Democrat candidate outlines why she should get your vote.

Organised crime expert and international relations specialist Sophie Bowler is the Liberal Democrat choice to be Hertsmere's new MP.

Lincolnshire-born and now a Hertfordshire resident, Sophie has extensive international experience having worked in Australia in the Sydney State Parliament and New South Wales Government. She then worked in the European Parliament where she focussed on combating cross-border organised crime.

She is campaigning to ensure that Hertsmere residents' voices are heard when Parliament makes decisions and to implement Liberal Democrat plans to build a stronger economy and a fairer society.

Sophie is backing the campaign against Hertfordshire Conservatives' bus cuts, which will affect many local people, especially older residents and young people travelling to work or college.

The Liberal Democrats have set out plans to protect spending on education, improve mental health services and preserve our environment.

Locally, schools in Hertsmere have benefited from £8.3 million extra funding via the pupil premium since 2010. This has provided targeted help to disadvantaged children at local schools. The Liberal Democrats' income tax cut has benefited 40,800 local workers and a record number of people are being trained through apprenticeships.

The Liberal Democrats will also:

  • cut income tax by an additional £400 by raising the tax-free allowance to £12,500.
  • make sure the NHS has the extra £8bn a year it needs by 2020
  • protect the education budget from cradle to college, so that every child and young person has the opportunity to fulfil their potential
  • protect the environment so that future generations are not left paying for the mistakes of the generations before them.