We had an enjoyable weekend trip for a family party near Dawlish. We also had the pleasure of meeting Martin Wrigley, Leader of Teignbridge District Council and Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Newton Abbot.

Martin writes in his campaign documents : “I am passionate about getting the best for our local communities, across Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, ….. .. I’m proud to be part of the Lib Dem team at Teignbridge District Council that has started to make a real difference: protecting our environment and creating affordable new council homes….. .”

This sounded very familiar; we hear similar messages in the Richmond Park constituency. But the actuality in Mortlake and East Sheen is a wholly different experience. Plans for affordable housing are disgracefully low and the Mortlake Brewery development as planned does not protect the local environment.

Martin is out and about and actually communicates with his constituents. He admits they do not always agree but at least people feel consulted. His connections and open discussions between local government and parliamentary constituency would undoubtedly benefit the local population. In Mortlake and East Sheen they appear to exist only in the breach. Let’s hope the true Lib Dem principles of open democracy are supported in Newton Abbot and Martin can then perhaps even teach the Lib Dem heartlands of south west London a thing or two.