I’ve lived in Luton all my life.

Full statement

I’ve been hard at work for this town for nearly a decade and in this election I’m standing as an Independent candidate for Luton South. That means I answers to you, not to a political party. I’ll make decisions based on what is best for Luton, not for other politicians.

Our country is in crisis. Brexit has paralysed our parliament and the two main parties have been driven to the extremes. The Conservatives are pushing a hard Brexit which will be devastating to Luton’s economy, costing jobs and investment. The Labour Party has been captured by the hard left, and Jeremy Corbyn poses a threat to our national security, has failed to deal with antisemitism in his own party and cannot be trusted on Brexit.

Labour thinks this is a safe seat, and are taking your vote for granted - even choosing someone that backs Brexit, despite the harm it will do. You simply cannot trust Labour on Brexit. The local Labour candidate wants Brexit to happen as much as Boris Johnson does. If you vote Labour, our town stands as much chance of leaving the EU as it does with the Tories.

The Liberal Democrats have stood aside to back the only Remain candidate who has a chance of beating Labour. I’ve got the support of leading tactical vote sites Best for Britain, Unite to Remain and People’s Vote.

Thousands of jobs in Luton, from our Vauxhall car plant to our airport, depend on a strong relationship with the EU. At every stage in the Brexit process, I’ve fought against the Government’s bad deal, unlike the Labour candidate and the Tory candidate. I want a deal that protects Luton’s jobs, and opportunities for young people.

I know our town depends on strong transport links, investment in our town centre and good jobs. That’s why I blocked Thameslink taking vital services away from our station in February, and I’ve fought successfully for increased direct services for our airport. It’s why I’m fighting to stop legal action which blocks the new Luton Town stadium and delays vital regeneration in our town.

We need someone to stand up for Luton, not just do what Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn tells them to. If you feel a hard-left Brexit or hard-Tory Brexit is no choice at all, back the local choice. Back our town. Lend me your vote on 12 December.