Richard Morris will be the Liberal Democrats' Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) for Tonbridge and Malling in the next general election.

Richard has lived with his wife in Edenbridge for 33 years, raising two daughters local schools. He brings a wide range of business, legal and arts-experience to the PPC role. Professionally he was chief executive of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London and chairman of Invicta Radio (the original local radio station for Kent) and Kent Music (which provides music services to state-schools across Kent).

Richard is a passionate pro-European, currently serving on the national executive of the European Movement, and the council of Sevenoaks and Swanley Together in Europe. Richard says:

I believe the UK's future relationship with Europe is the paramount political issue of current times and has major implications in every area of policy. Lib Dems policy on Europe is a rare example of clear yellow sunshine streaming between us and both major parties. Most polls indicate that the current will of the people favours our policy.

A further referendum or People's Vote is essential. It will differ fundamentally from the 2016 referendum in that it will offer the electorate a choice between real options - the existing terms of EU membership and the best exit deal (or no deal) the government will have been able to secure - rather than a range of idealised and misrepresented possible leave outcomes.

Environmental issues will be very high on my agenda both in relation to Kent's motorways and in the preservation of the Green Belt. While recognising the government's requirements for additional housing, any revision to the Green Belt should be implemented only after the fullest consultation with local residents and with the greatest sensitivity to the existing built environment.

Richard is looking forward to meeting Liberal Democrat supporters and members in Tonbridge and Malling, and using the platform of PPC to argue for a strong-UK in a strong Europe.