Mark Johnston lives in Reigate and is an experienced EU policy specialist.

Full statement

He has worked first in Westminster and then Brussels for altogether 25 years with think-tanks and advocacy groups on climate change and clean energy development.

Mark joined the Lib Dems following the 2016 referendum and Trump’s election in America. He believes firmly that liberal values — democracy, rule of law, and human rights among others — are essential to a peaceful and prosperous future for everyone and thus worth fighting to uphold.

At home and abroad, liberal principles are, he says, the effective antidote to the ‘roller-coaster’ politics of recent years.

In Mark's own words:

“The Conservatives have left our country in a mess.

“Higher prices, longer waiting lists, less protection for the environment and, after EU withdrawal, a diminished standing in the world. Elected on a false prospectus in 2019, perhaps we ought not to be surprised? Since then, the misconduct in public office of so many Tory MPs knows no bounds.

“At the same time Labour, while calling for “change”, has hesitated to say what this means. What are its real plans? What if there’s a landslide? Who will hold Labour ministers to account?

“Overall the situation we find ourselves in will not be fixed quickly. But fix it we must. An uncertain future calls for honesty today.

“I’m standing for Parliament to pursue a positive agenda: economic recovery, a restoration of public services, and an environment safe to live in and fit to pass on to future generations.

“It will not be easy, but with your support, together we can make it happen.”