Colin Martin
Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cornwall
Colin Martin explains how Colin Breed inspired him to stand for election:
I first moved to Liskeard nineteen years ago to work for Colin Breed, who served as South East Cornwall’s Liberal Democrat MP from 1997 to 2010. Colin was observant, curious and thoughtful; so he figured out how to get things done, like securing funding for the Dobwalls bypass and establishing the “Grocery Code” to protect farmers from abuse by supermarkets.
Witnessing Colin’s selfless and effective community service inspired me to stand for election too; and after working for a Cornish fuel poverty charity; running a social enterprise; and working as a maths teacher, I gained a comprehensive understanding of local issues. Seven years ago, I overturned a huge Conservative majority to be elected as the Cornwall Councillor for Lostwithiel, and I have used this platform to lead many successful campaigns. For example:
- In 2021, I set up a cross-party working group to tackle the housing emergency. Four of the ideas I put forward to control holiday homes have now been put into law.
- In 2022, I called for independent experts to guarantee that Cornwall’s green transition is as fast and fair as possible. This “Cornwall Climate Commission” is now up and running and will ensure that everyone gets the help they need to cut their energy bills and carbon emissions.
But there is so much more to do!
Votes cast in South East Cornwall on 4th July will not affect whether or not Keir Starmer becomes Prime Minister, but they will determine who represents our area in Parliament.
Our Conservative MP has failed to secure any funding for the Tamar Crossings or the deadly A38.
If you elect me to serve you in Parliament, I will work tirelessly to deliver safe roads; affordable homes; a thriving, green economy; and public services we can all be proud of. And of course, to abolish the Tamar Tolls!
CHAIR, ELECTIONS AND DATA OFFICER – Dr Martin Dare-Edwards
Former Site and Country Manager for Infineum UK Ltd, Chairman of the Infineum UK Pension Fund, and former Chair of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, now retired! An active amateur Violinist in Orchestras and Chamber Music Groups, keen gardener and cook. Shares his time between Polperro and Oxford. Liberal Democrat Member since 2017 (triggered by the outcome of the EU Referendum), but active for the Liberals and SDP since 1983.
TREASURER – Tracey Kerr
Environmental Science graduate self employed in Ecology and Accounting services. Cornish and grew up in South East Cornwall. Actor with Sterts Theatre and Looe Tudor Players and mediocre trombonist! Loves wildlife gardening, dogs and husband. Elected to Exec in 2018, Treasurer from 2020.
EXECUTIVE MEMBER – Adam Sturtridge
Adam lives near Callington in his ancestral family home. He has been a dairy farmer – running the family farm in 1990s, but now works from home as a software engineer. He is a St Mellion Parish Councillor, and has served as a trustee for two charities. He became a member of the Liberal Democrats after the 2015 General Election, and has been a supporter the Lib Dems and Liberal Party since the 1970s. He has a passion for gardening, caring for the environment and looking after bio-diversity.
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OFFICER - Lisa-Jane Dare-Edwards
Like her husband (Martin Dare-Edwards), Lisa-Jane also joined the Liberal Democrats in 2017, horrified by the outcome of the 2016 EU Vote. She worked as part of the "back-room" teams that secured the (against the odds) victory for Layla Moran in Oxford West and Abingdon in June 2017, the fantastic results for the Liberal Democrats in the May 2019 Council Elections, and the increased majority for Layla in December 2019.