Matthew is a seasoned local campaigner with a professional background in computing and Internet.

Full statement

He founded and chairs Thanet Creative, a charitable
association dedicated to supporting writing and creativity.

Road safety is a key issue for Matthew. He has worked over the years to hold KCC
accountable for potholes, unsafe junctions, and similar matters; paying particular
attention to making safe the junction of Tenterden Way and Millmead Road where he
almost lost his mother, two sisters, and then-unborn niece.

Matthew served for a number of years as an elected parent representative on Sure
Start Millmead’s management board, during its transition into a community mutual.
He strongly believes that KCC must continue to fund the important work of Millmead
Family Hub – a key part of the Dane Valley community. If elected, Matthew plans to
invest his efforts into examining pathways to reforming Kent’s Children and Family
Social Services to make it a service fit for purpose.

Additionally, he will continue to oppose Southern Water’s habit of discharging
sewage into our seas (and onto our blue flag beaches) every time there is heavy
rain.

Matthew has chosen to stand as a Liberal Democrat because he is tired of seeing
the same faces under different flags. Matthew will offer a real choice of someone
different; someone willing to make the effort needed to see some positive change in
Thanet. If a degenerative spinal condition and a few spells in hospital couldn’t stop
him, then a little bureaucracy and red tape don’t stand a chance.