Lynne Beaumont for Folkestone and Hythe

Greetings again readers,
Happy New Year to you as this is the first post of 2015, election year! We begin with the first of a series of Candidate "interviews" where I put questions to Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidates, especially those in Hellfire Corner!

 

Lynne Beaumont - PPC for Folkestone & Hythe

 

Our first candidate is Lynne Beaumont, who is standing for the Lib Dems in Folkestone and Hythe, a seat where she came second to Conservative Damian Collins in 2010, taking a chunk out of his majority, and leaving "desperate Damo" with less than 50%. She was elected to represent Park Ward on Shepway District Council in 2003 and was re-elected in a by-election in 2012. She was also a key figure in the campaign to secure Citizenship rights for Ghurkhas back in 2008.

Q:  What 3 personal qualities do you have that, you think, would make you a good MP for Folkestone and Hythe?
A: I am a driven individual, I care about the constituency that has been my home for 30 years and I am dedicated to serving the people of Folkestone and Hythe!

Q: Why are you a Liberal Democrat?
A: I believe in equal opportunities for all, whether that be in terms of education, health and individual prosperity.

Q: What do you think is the biggest issue facing Folkestone and Hythe?
A: Employment Opportunities, but more to the point, well-paid employment! We need to attract more big businesses to the area to promote the local economy.

Q:Who inspires you?
A: David Lloyd-George & Winston Churchill; they never gave up on what they wanted to achieve!

Q: What is your opinion on the rise of UKIP and how do you plan to combat it?
A: The rise of UKIP is very worrying for all. I understand that people want to vote against the establishment, but do people really want a group of right-wing extremists running this country? I don't think so! Their policies are shocking and we need to tell people.

Q: What is the biggest Lib Dem success from this government?
A: Oh hard to choose!... Either taking 8 million people out of paying income tax altogether or the Triple Lock Pension, which means that by April of this year, pensioners will be £950 better off! Its the biggest change in pensions for decades.

Q: What is your take on the Conservatives' plans to try and revive the Data and Communications Bill?
A: Ridiculous! A right to privacy is so important. Anyone who is under suspicion should be watched, but to impinge on everyone's privacy is disgusting.

Q: What is your central message for your campaign for the General Election?
A: I've worked in the community for over 20 years and lived here for 30. I stood in 2010 and came second and have not gone away! I am still working for local causes and local people. If people want an MP who cares, and is not a career politician, then I'm the one.



(Lynne Beaumont with Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander MP and the author)



Lynne Beaumont wants your vote this May 7th to be Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe.