At a crowded event at Dulverton Town Hall on Sunday 14th January, local Liberal Democrat Rachel Gilmour launched her campaign to become Tiverton and Minehead’s first MP.
Local supporters and community members attended to listen to rallying speeches where Rachel set out her stall and the core changes she will fight her campaign on: Tackling the cost-of-living crisis; putting healthcare at the heart of our communities; and protecting our local jobs and environment. All are areas she has first-hand experience of through her extensive career as a Director of the NFU, a District Councillor, work with local GPs, and as a strategist with the Environment Agency.
Rachel also delivered a strong message to the Conservative Government:
“We are offended by the state of our NHS, and your decision to underfund it. We are offended that 1 in 5 of our secondary schools are in special measures or inadequate. We are offended at the pollution of our seas and rivers. We are offended that there aren’t enough properly paid carers to look after our elderly and infirm. We are offended that the effects of climate change we are already feeling are being ignored in the pursuit of profits.
“I will not rest until the Conservatives are held to account for their failures. Our communities are demanding better, and I aim to deliver it.”
After a rallying cry and rapturous applause, many of those present took to the streets of Dulverton to speak to local residents and share the reasons why they are supporting Rachel at the General Election.
The event marked a key milestone in Rachel’s growing campaign, after she had personally knocked on her 2,500th door to speak with local people from across the large rural constituency; whilst her large team of supporters have visited many thousands more.
Afterwards Rachel commented: “The response received so far has been overwhelming. Many of the homes I call on have never seen a politician coming to their door to listen to them and are so appreciative that I have taken the time to do so.
“One lady in Watchet thought her previous MP had retired years ago because she hadn’t heard or seen him in so long. I make a pledge to each person I meet: I will always find the time to listen to your concerns, and will work tirelessly to make our communities better, fairer, and to end the decades of us being taken for granted that started to change with the election of Richard Foord in Devon, and will finish changing here on the day I am elected.
“If there is time before the General Election, I aim to have knocked on the door of every single person in Tiverton & Minehead to introduce myself.”
