I stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Plymouth Sutton and Devonport Constituency in 2015 and for Moor View in 2017. I am delighted to have another chance to represent you, the residents within the City. I am lifelong supporter of liberal values and have always fought for these basic, core principals and goals: a fairer voting system to ensure everyone has a true democratic representation; a strong and competent economy, a sustainable Environment, good housing, proper education and health care for all of us. I strongly support co-operative owned businesses and Societies and am a director for Tamar Energy Community, an energy-saving co-op in Tavistock that is fighting Climate Change.

I am delighted to be the Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for South West Devon, in addition to standing for Plymstock Dunstone in the local elections this May.

I have been an active member of the Liberal Democrats since 2010. During this time I have been involved in a number of local and national campaigns, and also stood as a local council candidate.

The Liberal Democrats were the most successful UK party at making net by-election gains in 2018, with the Tories and Labour both making net losses. A full review of can be found on the ALDC website here.

During 2019, Lib Dems across the UK will continue to re-establish the party as a rational, pragmatic choice, in the face of an increasingly unstable and fractured Tory and Labour party. Our 2019 campaigning in Plymouth will be underway imminently, so we will keep you updated.

About 250 people attended Luke's 9^th Brexit debate in the Guildhall, which was open to everyone. The MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport gave his views, informed us of the current situation, heard a range of opinions and ideas and took questions on all aspects of our changing relationship with Europe.

Tickets are now on sale for our 2018 Christmas raffle draw. You could win one of 30 tremendous prizes, including a £2,000 holiday voucher. Tickets cost just £1.00 each and are also open to family and friends.

The Plymouth Lib Dems is a volunteer run organisation, so the Lib Dem draw is a great way to support us.

Here is a brief summary of the recent party Conference in Brighton, from our local party Chair.

'I spent two days at Conference moving swiftly between the two venues to attend various speeches and learning events. For me the highlights have to be the speeches from three Liberal Democrat MP's.

Tom Brake exposed the chaos surrounding Brexit and encouraged MPs of all persuasions to call for a People's Vote if they saw that their constituents would be harmed by the outcome of negotiations.

Our website has been a little quiet lately, but that is not to say that the Plymouth Lib Dems haven't been busy.

Following an increase in votes at the Stoke by-election in July, we have been putting our plan together for the 2019 local elections (not to mention the ever looming possibility of an early general election). Also, August saw the local party joining up with colleagues from Devon and Cornwall to take part in Plymouth Pride, joining the march and running a stall.

The Plymouth Lib Dems have been out and about in Stoke over the last fews weeks, delivering letters, leaflets and canvassing. Connor has also been addressing local issues from his Facebook page, with a series of videos and other content.

You can find out more by following the link to his Facebook page here here.

Connor Clarke, an ex-pupil of Stoke Damerel Primary School, has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Stoke by-election. Connor, who recently completed his second year at Plymouth University, has lived in Plymouth since he was a boy.

Connor said, "It is humbling to have been selected to fight the by-election on July 26^th for the Liberal Democrats. I lived for over ten years adjacent to Blockhouse Park, in the heart of Stoke, and after Primary School I was fortunate to be a student at Stoke Damerel Community College. I am well aware of the important role our schools have in their communities and how they must receive proper support locally and nationally to continue inspiring our younger generations. It is thanks to my early education and the support I received, that I was able to go to Plymouth University."

On Saturday 30th June some members crossed the River Tamar to meet Wera Hobhouse MP, the LibDem spokesperson on Housing, Communities & Local Government. The event was hosted by SE Cornwall Liberal Democrats and provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with our neighbours and meet the new MP for Bath.