Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron visited Wokingham on Tuesday to lend his support to the parliamentary campaign of Clive Jones.
He also met candidates and activists ahead of the local elections in May.
Clive told Wokingham Today: “I have long been a fan of Tim Farron. He is an excellent local MP who cares about his constituents.
“ I know he is often out and about amongst his community in Westmorland and Lonsdale. He’s the sort of MP that I aspire to be.”
He spoke about being very concerned about delays in cancer diagnosis, and attributed it to a failure of the Conservatives to invest in up-to-date equipment and the necessary healthcare professionals to operate it.
Tim, who is chair of the all party group on radiotherapy, added: “Too many people are dying of cancer. The NHS is currently in the worst situation it has ever been.”
He also spoke about the lack of support for the homeless, who are living on streets in the very cold January weather conditions.
“When the pandemic struck, the government took 90% of the homeless off the streets within days. Why can’t we do that again?
“The majority of people who are homeless have mental health issues, marital breakdowns or other troubles. The government expects local councils to deal with this, but doesn’t give them the resources to do this.”
Responding to questions from Wokingham Today regarding how his part can support high street businesses when the cost of living crisis is causing significant issues, he said: “There needs to be a fundamental reform of business rates so that it stops being a huge disincentive for businesses to have presence on the high street.
“We also need to reflect the changes in people’s shopping habits by making it easier to convert business premises into affordable homes – making our town centres more vibrant.
“The cost of living crisis means that every household has less money to spend in the local community. That’s less money to spend in local service companies and retailers – just the places where our friends and neighbours work.”
Asked whether the recent YouGov poll that predicted a Liberal Democrat win in Wokingham is helpful or harmful, he said: “The predictable answer is to say that the only poll that matters is the one that happens on election day.
“But I think these polls do help local people to make the best use of their vote.
“My sense from speaking to people in Wokingham is that they want to defeat the Conservatives, and to have a hard working local MP.
“These polls remind local people that Clive Jones and the Liberal Democrats are the ones who can defeat the Conservatives here.
Asked about the issues facing local government funding, and what can be done to help, he said: “Central government should not displace cuts onto local government. That’s a cowardly thing to do.
“Funding social care properly would be a vital first step to dealing with the biggest call on the council funding. This would take away much of the pressure on our struggling NHS too.”
Asked for his opinion on Clive, and whether he thought he would be a good MP for the borough, he said: “I’m a big fan of Clive.
“He’s a real servant of the community – and I know that he is respected by people of all parties and none.
“In my book, to be a good MP you should be immersed in the community you represent and work your socks off for the people, while being a thoughtful and caring voice in parliament.
“Clive will be an MP you can be proud of.”
