Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Derbyshire Dales announced

Liberal Democrat members have recently selected Robert Court to contest Derbyshire Dales for the Lib Dems at the next General Election.

The editorial team caught up with Robert to ask him some questions.

Robert, you were the candidate in 2019. Why stand again? The 2019 campaign was enjoyable and rewarding. I met some interesting and wonderful people. We more than doubled our vote then, and I believe we can do much better next time.

Do you think it is important that our candidate should be local? Definitely, and I am. My wife and I have lived in the constituency for over 20 years, whereas the present MP was parachuted into the seat from Essex.

What life experience could you bring to being our MP? My career was in teaching, and therefore engaging with many young people with their concerns and ambitions. As a physicist, I understand the technological challenges and opportunities facing us now and in the future. And finally, I spent 12 years as Head of Birkdale School in Sheffield, so unlike all too many politicians I have actually run an organisation.

Why are you a Liberal Democrat? The Liberal Democrats offer a responsible but radical alternative to the other parties. We are not in thrall to big business or trade unions. We would not suddenly inflict a Corbyn or a Johnson upon the electorate. We care about the planet and about those who need looking after most, but we don't believe in pouring money down the drain.

Do the Liberal Democrats offer a home for the politically homeless? There are plenty of people out there who are fed up with extremism and are looking for competent leadership with integrity, offering hope for the future. The Lib Dems are their natural "home".

What is the most immediate issue affecting local voters? The cost of living. Targeted help is needed - as a matter of the utmost importance.

If you found yourself as part of a government, what would be your priorities?

• Rebuilding all that is broken, from the environment to household finances.
• Resilience in energy, food, water and the economy.
• Restoration of what this government has vandalised, including truth and integrity, independence of institutions, and reputation and relations abroad, including with the EU.