Candidate chosen for Crewe & Nantwich

A Nantwich resident and business leader has been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the next general election.

Matthew Theobald of Stapeley, runs a company that helps develop pharmaceutical and medical products throughout the UK, EU and US; work which highlights the effects of Brexit, and the potentially serious impacts on everyone who needs medicines or healthcare.

At a well attended meeting of Liberal Democrat members and supporters in Nantwich – so well attended that it had to be moved to a larger venue – he gained unanimous support to contest any election which may be called in the coming weeks or months.

Commenting on the selection, Matthew said

Matthew Theobald speaking to constituentsYou only have to look at what’s been going on locally and nationally over recent months to see that two party politics is broken. No one voted for all this and many people feel they’re not being listened to by our elected representatives. It’s well past time that they were heard, to give voice to what’s best for our community. I will be that voice; demanding better for the people of Crewe and Nantwich, for our environment, for our children”.

Welcoming his selection, former local party chairman Gwyn Griffiths said

“Matthew is a long standing Nantwich resident with a record on issues such as local education and the need to protect our environment. He will make an excellent representative for Crewe and Nantwich, demanding better for our area and its people”.

Volunteering as a local High School governor, Matthew has responsibility for finances, resources, and oversight of Special Educational Needs provision. He has seen first hand the challenges faced by pupils, teachers and families that result from poor funding of education by central government. Challenges that Liberal Democrats have worked hard to address, through measures like Pupil Premium and Early Years Premium, that directly help disadvantaged children.

Matthew is a Parish Councillor for Stapeley and Batherton, and has worked with residents for over 7 years to prevent unwanted, inappropriate, speculative housing developments that build housing that isn’t affordable; types of housing that aren’t right for local people. He led a team of local people and residents groups to put in place a Neighbourhood Plan to protect the future hopes and aspirations of everyone who lives in the area. A Plan that is proving vital in shaping the area.

Twitter: @Matthew_LibDem

Facebook: @MatthewTheobaldLD

LibDem Autumn Conference 2019

It probably hasn’t escaped your notice that the LibDems had an Autumn Conference over the past few days?

It’s been a busy, informative and motivating four days, from last Saturday morning through to a rousing speech from Jo Swinson on Tuesday afternoon, ending with this message:

“This much I am sure of. The opportunity in front of us is huge. And it is for the taking. We can win. We must win. And to do so, we must build the biggest liberal movement this country has ever seen. Our job is to gather the forces of liberalism, and be the rallying point for change.”

There’s a feeling of optimism, energy and drive here.  People are eager to get to work delivering on the policies that this and earlier conferences adopted.

You may have heard about some of the fantastic policies adopted by conference this week.  Things like:

You can catch up with all the policies and papers from Conference, as well as a round up of each day here.

Conference has been a great opportunity to meet other LibDems, from across the country.  I’ve also caught up with friends made at my first conference in 2017.

Not only that, there was lots of great training available.  So it’s been a challenge to work out how to get to everything you want to do.

It didn’t stop, thanks to a packed programme of fringe meetings, opportunities to talk with our MPs and Peers (including our newest members from the Parliamentary Party).  Yes, I did happen to take a few selfies with them!

After an intense, tiring, and satisfying four days, I’ve come back home armed with lots of useful information and support.

Matthew Theobald

Parliamentary Candidate for Crewe & Nantwich

Exciting news at Politics in a Pub

At a packed Politics in a Pub, on Friday 6th September, we had the pleasure of announcing the Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Candidate for Crewe & Nantwich.

So many people came along that we had to quickly find a larger venue at The Leopard on London Road in Nantwich.  Fortunately, a marquee was available, which rapidly filled up too.

Accepting the role, Matthew shared his vision for our constituency. He briefly described his background, experience as a campaigner, local Councillor and School Governor, before outlining the choice that will face voters at the ballot box, come a General Election.

A lively Question and Answer session followed and the formal part of the evening was rounded off by a call for volunteers to help with the coming General Election campaign.

After a more relaxed chat back in the bar area, the evening concluded with a quick photo of our candidate with some of the people who came along.

Group of Lib Dem members at a politics in the pub meet up
Our Parliamentary Candidate, Matthew Theobald, with some members and supporters