James Allie
Keen Cyclist, Solicitor, Housing campaigner, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Housing in Brent. I have always believed that if there’s something you’re not happy about you need to do more than just complain. I’ve been brought up to get involved and take responsibility. I’ve lived in Brent for 20 years and have had numerous opportunities to move somewhere else but always felt that the best place to live in London is right here. In London everything is possible. The diversity and the can-do attitude make London a very exciting place and if you believe in something you need to get involved. I joined the SDP which later evolved as the Lib Dems. I joined the SDP because it broke the class mould of British Politics.... (more...)
Glenn Goodall
Scientist, Eco-warrior, Music buff, Liberal Democrat Councillor in Reading. I am a man of passions, science, the environment and music and I am lucky that I can indulge in all of these. My PhD in polymer chemistry at the University of Reading is what brought me here and I now combine being a post-doctoral research assistant in the Department of Chemistry with being a councillor, by day I make hydrogels for wound dressings! The Liberal Democrats are the party of the environment and that is why I joined them. In 1997 I was 18 and could vote for the first time, I voted Labour. Following that I went to university and realised that my view did not tie-up with those of Labour… I could and would never vote Conservative so investigated the... (more...)
Donal OHanlon
Risk Consultant, Football Ref, Fly Fishing Enthusiast, Liberal Democrat Councillor in Bury. I blame Vic D’Albert, local Councillor and parliamentary candidate. He was out leafleting one Sunday morning down my street. We knew each other from years before when I was a “Young Liberal”, and he asked me outright. I’d just been inspired by reading “Stupid White Men” by Michael Moore, so thought “Why not?” Until then all I had done was help with my local Neighbourhood Watch. I thought it would be a great opportunity to get more involved in local issues. I was concerned about some very poor local decisions and inaction, especially planning matters. Since being elected I feel I have helped reinvigorate a sense of community, especially... (more...)
Anna Pascoe
Hotel Manager, Sportswoman, Anti-racism campaigner, Liberal Democrat Town Councillor in Camborne. I was one of those rare folk who filled in the little box on the back of a Focus saying that I’d be happy to give a hand now and again with delivery or clerical work. Up until then I has been involved in single issue campaigns. I was involved in community outreach campaigns as Anti-Racism Officer at Southampton University. The constituency organiser at the time, (Colin Martin) had introduced me to different duties and responsibilities over the few months I had been volunteering with the local Lib Dems and convinced me that being a council candidate was the next step. I never had any reservations, I thought it would be an honour to be given... (more...)
Abigail Bell
Book Worm, Foodie, People Person, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member in Hull. I came to Hull in 1997 for university and have made it my home. I joined the Liberal Democrats in 2004 but it wasn’t until I tried to set up a neighbourhood watch in my street that I thought about standing for Council. Until someone asked it was not something I had considered. My professional background is in HR and I have worked in various Human Resources posts in the voluntary and private sector – most recently I was a Manager for Comet PLC. My title on the council is Cabinet Members for Customer and Corporate Services – which sounds rather complicated but in essence means I am responsible for customer services and the Council ‘internal services’... (more...)
Humaira Khan
Magistrate, Mental Health Support Worker, Role model, Liberal Democrat Councillor in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. I joined the Lib Dems in 1999, whilst I was still studying for my Psychology degree. I believed it was unfair to place the financial burden of Tuition fees on students, then when the Labour Government broke their promise of not introducing Top-up fees, this and for many other reasons I wanted to become more involved in politics. I started by helping the current Ward Councillors in delivering focuses, and then began to petition on everyday topics, in the course of that I picked up casework, which I followed through by contacting the right Officers in the Council, this sometimes involved chasing Officers, by... (more...)
Abdul Malik
Business Man, Mentor, Community Activist, Former Councillor in Bristol. Peer pressure meant I dropped out of school when I was younger but that did not stop me opening a butchers business when I was just 17. I am now the proud owner of a chain of butchers spanning South West England. I like to keep busy and have since completed GCSE’s and A-Levels and am planning to study a law degree. But it is my community involvement that got me interested in standing for council. The local Lib Dems saw what I was doing in the community and asked me if I would stand for election and I said yes. I am still involved in a huge range of projects and organisations from the local regeneration project on Easton and the local Mosque through to mentoring projects... (more...)
Why become a Lib Dem Councillor?
‘The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity. We champion the freedom, dignity and well-being of individuals, we acknowledge and respect their right to freedom of conscience and their right to develop their talents to the full.’ The Liberal Democrat Party aims to create real and meaningful change within our communities through the power of local democracy. And we need your help. Talking to Freshers... (more...)
What do Lib Dem councillors do?
As a councillor, not only will you be making a genuine difference to the lives of the communities in which you work, you will also be taking on an incredibly rewarding and varied role. There is no rigid requirement or role, and, while the job does require a level of commitment and dedication, we are also aware that every individual has their own commitments in terms of family, career, and other varying aspects of a full life. We therefore promote flexibility and are happy to help you tailor the role to your needs and commitments. We also urge people to make the job their own in terms of their... (more...)
Becoming a Lib Dem councillor?
Whether your area has elections next year or in 4 years time you should get in touch with your local team as soon as possible. There is nothing like learning on the job, so as soon as you get in touch with your local party the sooner you will be out knocking on doors, talking to residents and finding out what needs to be done. You can find out more about the role of councillor through our virtual shadowing scheme. We have found 11 of the best Lib Dem Councillor web pages and blogs so you can get an idea of what the job involves. What we are looking for Starting the process How the council... (more...)
Help the Liberal Democrats make real change happen
“It's easy to feel frustrated when things don't work the way they should, or when changes are promised but never seem to happen. If you share my frustrations I would encourage you to join your local Liberal Democrat Team. Every day our councillors are striving to put Liberal Democrat values into action, working with residents to ensure that their voices are heard through the power of local democracy. Use your knowledge, experience and perspective to help us make real change happen throughout our communities.”
Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats