**My name is Sharon Docherty, and I am the Liberal Democrat candidate for Ramsey and Bury.

Full statement

**

I live locally, and I am passionate about making this a place where everyone gets a fair deal — and I mean everyone.

I am a wheelchair user. I know first-hand the barriers people face when public services, transport and local infrastructure do not work for everyone — barriers that affect not just disabled people, but parents with young children and anyone without reliable transport. That lived experience shapes everything I stand for.

For too long, Ramsey and Bury have been taken for granted. Our Reform UK councillor quit after just one year, leaving us without representation and forcing this expensive by-election. You deserve better than that.

If you elect me on 16th July 2026, I will aim to:

• Reduce the cost of living — by making sure vulnerable residents get the support they are entitled to and fight for affordable local facilities
• Provide access to banking — by campaigning to bring a banking hub into Ramsey Library for older residents, disabled people and small traders
• Push for better NHS provision — by holding the health service to account and securing more GP and dental appointments closer to home
• Improve the mobile signal — by making sure Ramsey is at the front of the queue for improvement. It is on the county council's priority list for the national Shared Rural Network programme.

What I bring:

• Over 20 years of senior Ministry of Defence experience, including policy and legislation work in Cyprus, including planning and building legislation - negotiating with the Republic of Cyprus, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the UK Foreign Office
• Pastoral responsibility in the Falkland Islands for over 200 civil servants and 700 contractors, covering everything from infrastructure to serious allegations of fraud and sexual assault
• Doctoral research into workplace bullying, institutional betrayal and moral injury, presented at the British Academy of Management 2026 Conference, University of London; Shaping the Future of Work Conference, King's College, London; and International Association on Workplace Bullying and Harassment Conference, Canberra, Australia
• Panel membership contributing to the Timms Report on PIP reform, representing the MS Society
• FDA Union representative at the TUC Disability Conference, championing Access to Work
• Author of an FDA union report on Civil Service pay practices causing detriment to disabled employees

This is not just box-ticking for me.

I am passionate about fairness and providing a voice to those who do not them. And while I might be a new candidate, I believe my background demonstrates I know how to navigate complex systems, build coalitions and get things done. I am committed to bringing all of that experience and passion to work for Ramsey and Bury — while being open, accessible and in touch all year round, not just at election time.

The Liberal Democrats are winning here. In May 2026, we won more seats than any other party across Huntingdonshire. The momentum is with us. A vote for Sharon Docherty on 16th July 2026 is a vote for real, positive change.