Gideon Amos launches his campaign for election in Taunton and Wellington for the Liberal Democrats
Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Taunton and Wellington, has officially launched his General Election campaign.
There was a full house for the event at the CICCIC in Taunton, which included a video message from the party’s Leader, Sir Ed Davey.
Gideon told the gathering: “We need a positive plan for our country like the Liberal Democrats’ fair deal which will put the NHS and social care as our number one priority - funded by restoring the tax on bank profits which the Conservatives cancelled.
“We need MPs who stand for values people can trust – basic standards have been lost and need to be put back.
“Sadly, the Conservatives have broken trust with people in Taunton and Wellington and across the country.
“They have broken trust with those who care about our rivers and environment, with those who care about decent public services, with young people with mortgages and with older people who can’t get a doctor’s appointment or to see a dentist.
“I would be an MP who stands up to the government for people here, rather than do what the occupant of No10 tells them.
“It’s time for change and a new start - it’s time to put an end to the self-serving politicians in Westminster and to bring back people we can trust.
“I want to be that MP for this, my community.”
In his video message, Sir Ed Davey said the General Election was a chance “to get that change we all so desperately want, and our country desperately needs."
He added: “Taunton and Wellington is a seat we can win and you’ve got a great candidate in Gideon Amos.
“I’ve known Gideon for many years - he really is first class.
“He will be a great MP for your community, but he will also be a great voice for Liberalism in Parliament.”
Other speakers at the campaign launch were:
- Lord Paul Tyler – former North Cornwall MP and Parliamentary Private Secretary to Paddy Ashdown, who read a letter backing Mr Amos from Lord Ashdown’s widow, Jane.
- Cllr Tom Deakin – Leader of Taunton Town Council and Campaign Chair.
- Cllr Dixie Darch – Climate and Environment Lead on Somerset Council.
More information about how to support Gideon Amos in his campaign to become the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington by becoming a volunteer can be found here.
You can watch Gideon's rousing campaign speech below or here.