Lib Dems to campaign for “positive politics” in new Lewisham West and East Dulwich constituency

The Liberal Democrats have selected Josh Matthews, a former councillor and now an “activist analyst” specialising in climate and sustainability, to contest the new Lewisham West and East Dulwich parliamentary constituency.

Josh said:

“I want to bring some positivity into a politics that has become almost unbearable. But not yet so unbearable that it’s not worth fighting for something better. A positive politics.”

Josh’s campaign priorities will include “positive politics” alongside building the plans we need for climate and sustainability, and an emphasis on listening to local people and communities.

In Josh’s words:

• Positive Politics: “We should demand better. A positive politics built on freedom in a truly fair society, with real opportunity for everyone. That's what the Liberal Democrats stand for. Not the negative, divisive politics we’re currently surrounded by.”
• The Plan We Need for Climate Change: “Detailed plans are a must for the climate and sustainability emergency. Not slogans and meaningless targets.”
• Listening to You: “I’m committed to working with local people, communities, and organisations to ask, "what do you want?" Not, "what don't you want?"”

Josh went on to say,

“I’m delighted to introduce myself as the Liberal Democrat candidate to be the new MP for Lewisham West and East Dulwich.

I’m standing for a positive politics. A move away from the divisive, negative narrative we are currently surrounded by. A politics built on the freedom for everyone to live their own versions of a best life, in a truly fair society, with real equality of opportunity.

Professionally, I work to address the climate and sustainability emergency. As “part activist, part analyst” my aim is to combine objective science and strategy with the emotional case for change – across the environmental, social, and economic challenges we face. Originally, I trained and worked as a chemical engineer.

I grew up in South Wales and before moving to London, I was a City Councillor in Cambridge. As the opposition spokesperson there for Climate, Environment, and the City Centre, I saw how international, national, and community priorities can work together for positive outcomes for people and local areas. And how to push the politicians and organisations in charge to do better! I hope to put that experience to good use in representing you and your community.

When people hear “Liberal Democrat” I want them to think positive politics. A feeling of hope. That things can be better. That they can demand better. The Liberal Democrats are the party offering a positive vision of what society could be. The freedom for all of us to live our own versions of a best life. In a fair society. With true equality of opportunity. Our policy and our people mean we are set to take the most positive politics possible into this year’s elections. Connecting national policy to people’s lives and local areas. Built on the deeply personal reasons we’re all Liberal Democrats.”