Two years ago, I couldn’t have imagined I’d be writing as a parliamentary candidate. I had never considered myself as a politician, but these last few years have been a huge wake-up call.

I want my country back.

Who could have imagined that Britain would become a place where UKIP could say, about the government of the day, that it is using “exactly the same words and phrases that I have been using for 20 years”. This is not the direction I want for my country.

I love Watford. My partner and I moved here so that she could work at Watford General Hospital. I commute from Watford Junction and work as an engineer in the space industry. My role is all about working with experts from around the world building satellites.

Our local hospital/NHS services are understaffed, our schools are being hit by some of the deepest financial cuts in memory and our values of tolerance are under threat. World businesses are deeply worried as Theresa May prioritises a hard Brexit deal to please her new supporters from UKIP but not a strong economy.

I want to stand up for Watford - our diverse area and our strong values. I’d like to be Watford’s MP holding Government to account, fighting for our public services, our transport links and our businesses. I believe that access to the single market is crucial for our businesses and that the Right To Stay for the EU nationals who live and work here (and make up so many of our nurses and our doctors) is essential to the tapestry of Watford.

For that, we need to change our future. With your vote, I’d like to fight for that change.

  • Ian Stotesbury is Liberal Democrat candidate for Watford