I have always been a Liberal Democrat, but was not active in politics, putting my energy into looking after my wife and family and running the farm. In the late 1980’s I was

exposed to Organophosphate sheep dips, which damaged my health. I was not as badly affected as some, and started to campaign, with others, using the press and television, even speaking to a Select Committee in the House of Commons, to get these toxic chemicals banned, and for compensation for sufferers. Although we never got compensation for sufferers, I think the exposure in the media made the government tighten the safety regime around these chemicals, but more importantly raised awareness of the dangers of these chemicals and prevented more people suffering.

We have hosted many events on the farm, and it was this community involvement which lead to me joining the Deviock Parish Council 8 years ago. I enjoy meeting people, and helping find solutions for community issues.

In September 2005 I was asked by George Hocking if I would stand for a vacancy on Caradon District Council. I discussed the matter with family and friends, including Colin Breed MP, who had helped with the sheep dip campaign. I decided to stand, and was elected for Deviock and Sheviock ward, and subsequently re-elected in 2007.

I have a special interest in environmental matters, which is reflected in the way I farm, having entered the farm into Countryside Stewardship and organic production in 1999. In 2002 I undertook a degree in Agriculture Ecology and Environment, in order to help me understand threats and opportunities that affect rural areas. I attend Transition Caradon events as I am concerned about the challenges of Peak Oil and Climate Change. I represented Caradon on the Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership, and in 2008 attended a conference in Austria on renewable energy, which made me realise how much we need to catch up on technologies like wood fuel energy and district heating systems. I would like to be able to continue my work making sure Cornwall becomes the Green Peninsula, where future generations can enjoy a lifestyle which is less reliant on energy imported from outside the county, and the way of life does not compromise the sustainability of the planet. It is partly because of my input that the environment plays a key part in the Liberal Democrat Manifesto for Cornwall.

Our rural communities are under constant threat, with the closure of Post Offices, second homes, lack of public transport, and an ageing population in rural areas. I am keen that we retain our Post Offices and shops, which are an essential part of our communities. I supported the campaign to keep Seaton Post Office and got funding for Crafthole Community Shop. Globalisation and the dominance of the multi-nationals is also a threat to Cornwall, as we are on the end of both the supply and distribution chains. We can, and should, become more self sufficient in what we produce, and should not underestimate the quality, or the range of seasonal products from the county. I served as Caradon’s Farming Ambassador, promoting local outlets and championing the quality of our output, and I want to continue making sure producers, processors and outlets get the support they need.

Health is a matter that concerns all of us, and Liberal Democrats in Cornwall are committed to making Cornwall Council, Social Services and the NHS in Cornwall work together, which will improve support for those in need of care. The council can also play its part by making sure that we have opportunities to exercise, for example play equipment for our children, sports pitches for team games, and footpaths in our parishes for those of us who like more leisurely exercise! I served on Cornwall Local Access Forum, which helps formulate policy for our footpaths, and helped get funding for new play equipment at Seaton, and will help improve provision of sports and play facilities throughout SE Cornwall.

The lack of affordable housing is another problem which the new council will have to address, as it forces many of our young people to move away. One answer is to improve average earnings, so that locals can compete with people from outside of the county in the housing market. The other is to build more affordable housing, for rent as well as shared equity, as not everyone wants to buy their own home. I have been working with councillors from around the county to develop the Local Development Framework, which will help shape the development of Cornwall for years to come, and I am keen to continue this work.

We must also change the attitude of officers in the planning department, from wanting to “control” development to “management”, as we do need a planning system which is sensitive to the needs of the community whilst preserving our landscape. I also accompanied representatives of the Caradon Tenants Forum on their visit to London, campaigning to stop the government retaining £3 million per year of Caradon’s rent money. I am keen to see this money kept within the area, to improve local council houses.

Our heritage is also important, which is why I was keen to hold a poll for the name for the new electoral division, using historical names as well as those in the Cornish language. The name Trelawny topped the poll. I think it is an excellent choice, but the government would not allow any changes for this election, but I will be campaigning for it to be used in future.

In this rural area, transport is always an issue. We must encourage the use of the railway, as it is a very sustainable form of transport. Many of our lanes are being used as short cuts, often because of the use of Sat Navs, which results in lorries getting stuck, unnecessary wear on the road surface, and dangerous driving. We must find a solution to these problems, whilst not preventing access for residents.

I have enjoyed my work as an elected representative, and I am keen to continue this work in the new Pelynt division. I have the support of former Caradon District Councillors Roger Philp, George Hocking and Paul Adams, who are not standing, and ask for your support at the election on June 4th as well.

Written by Jim Candy and promoted by J Schofield on behalf of South East Cornwall Liberal Democrats at The Liberal Building, Barras Street, Liskeard.