I am honoured to be selected as the Liberal Democrat Candidate in the Kirkby Stephen and Tebay By-Election for a seat on Westmorland & Furness Council.

Full statement

If elected, I would: Listen to the people of Kirkby Stephen and Tebay; work to promote sustainable economic development by promoting better public transport and schemes such as a museum for Kirkby Stephen; Work for more affordable homes for local people; work to protect the environment and wildlife; and campaign for a fair deal on the NHS and social care.

I am passionate about community politics, the environment, ensuring that government takes a joined-up approach to social care and health and resolving the housing crisis. I have campaigned on issues including public transport and the need to stop sewage discharges into rivers including the Eden and Lune.

I have lived in Cumbria since 1993 and the Eden Valley since 1999. I now live in Kirkby Stephen. I am a widower with three children and four grandchildren.

I am an accountant with seventeen years’ experience in local government to Strategic Director level and 26 years’ experience of running a management consultancy and training business that mainly supports local authorities and housing associations with financial management and improving value for money. I am a member of Kirkby Stephen Town Council where I take the lead on public transport and am working to improve bus and rail services. I am a former Chair of Impact Housing Association that provided much needed housing and housing support services across Cumbria.

I am Chair of the Westmorland and Furness Liberal Democrats and stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate in the recent Cumbria Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner elections where I secured more votes across Westmorland & Furness than either the Conservative or Labour candidates.

Prepared by Paul Trollope on behalf of Adrian Waite (Liberal Democrats) both at Acland House, Yard 2, Stricklandgate, Kendal, LA9 4ND