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cosmolinguistWhat's your name, where are you from, and which committee(s) are you standing for?
David Weston from Watford. Standing for FPC.
Are you standing for the first time or restanding? If first time what new thing do you bring that nobody else could; if restanding, what about your record are you most proud of that you think should make us vote you back in?
I'm standing for the first time.
I'm an experienced education campaigner having been a teacher for nine years, setting up a national education charity and leading a government expert group to improve teacher development. As Vice Chair of our party's Education Policy Working Group I want FPC to put great Lib Dem ideas about education and young people at the heart of other policies - especially economy, housing, welfare and criminal justice.
I've also campaigned around LGBT+ issues and NHS organ donation. I understand how the right policy detail needs to mesh with clear, communicable messages which can underpin our party's resurgence.
Are you standing for any other committees, if so which ones; and if elected to more than one how do you plan to divide your time?
No, I'm only standing for FPC.
Are you an active member of any SAOs, and if so which ones?
Yes, I'm a member of the Lib Dem Education Association and LGBT+.
If someone asked you on the doorstep, the hustings or on TV to sum up in one or two sentences what the Lib Dems, uniquely, stand for – and then why anyone should vote for us – what are your answers?
Lib Dems are proudly international, optimistic and tolerant - standing against a tide of political fear and suspicion. We believe in opening up opportunity and unleashing the best in everyone, no matter where you're from or what your background, .
What is your view on diversity quotas for committees? Should they be extended to cover more than just gender, scrapped totally, kept as is or something else?
I am a strong supporter of the new arrangements for diversity quotas. We can achieve more when we encourage those who would be overlooked, or who would feel less confident, to step up and contribute to the party.
Secrecy rules prevent the party knowing what committees are doing. What will you do to communicate with members; and in what circumstances is confidentiality justified?
Any community is at its strongest when there is regular communication and discussion, when everyone has a chance to contribute and co-design. Our party is no different, and I want FPC to sit at the heart of a rejuvenated process of listening, learning and discussion. We can still easily accommodate confidential or Chatham House discussions to ensure that great expertise and perspectives can flow into our work.
If you had the power to do so unilaterally, what one party (not government) policy would you change, and what would you change it to?
I would like us to bring back the "1 penny on income tax" policy to better fund education and youth services. If we are to be the party of optimism, young people and the future then we should put our money where our mouth is.
What is your view on electoral pacts? Should the party make them, and if so, who with?
I think the public take a dim view of politicians colluding for power and depriving them of choice. In selective cases there may be good arguments to work with others but, broadly, there are dangers of being damaged (again) with 'Vote Lib Dem, get Labour/Conservative/etc' tactics.
I also think we need to attract voters from all parties. If we are part of the 'gang up against the Tories' gang, for example, then it is unattractive for those voters who are on the fence between us and the Conservative Party.
The list of all candidates who have answered can be found here.
David Weston from Watford. Standing for FPC.
Are you standing for the first time or restanding? If first time what new thing do you bring that nobody else could; if restanding, what about your record are you most proud of that you think should make us vote you back in?
I'm standing for the first time.
I'm an experienced education campaigner having been a teacher for nine years, setting up a national education charity and leading a government expert group to improve teacher development. As Vice Chair of our party's Education Policy Working Group I want FPC to put great Lib Dem ideas about education and young people at the heart of other policies - especially economy, housing, welfare and criminal justice.
I've also campaigned around LGBT+ issues and NHS organ donation. I understand how the right policy detail needs to mesh with clear, communicable messages which can underpin our party's resurgence.
Are you standing for any other committees, if so which ones; and if elected to more than one how do you plan to divide your time?
No, I'm only standing for FPC.
Are you an active member of any SAOs, and if so which ones?
Yes, I'm a member of the Lib Dem Education Association and LGBT+.
If someone asked you on the doorstep, the hustings or on TV to sum up in one or two sentences what the Lib Dems, uniquely, stand for – and then why anyone should vote for us – what are your answers?
Lib Dems are proudly international, optimistic and tolerant - standing against a tide of political fear and suspicion. We believe in opening up opportunity and unleashing the best in everyone, no matter where you're from or what your background, .
What is your view on diversity quotas for committees? Should they be extended to cover more than just gender, scrapped totally, kept as is or something else?
I am a strong supporter of the new arrangements for diversity quotas. We can achieve more when we encourage those who would be overlooked, or who would feel less confident, to step up and contribute to the party.
Secrecy rules prevent the party knowing what committees are doing. What will you do to communicate with members; and in what circumstances is confidentiality justified?
Any community is at its strongest when there is regular communication and discussion, when everyone has a chance to contribute and co-design. Our party is no different, and I want FPC to sit at the heart of a rejuvenated process of listening, learning and discussion. We can still easily accommodate confidential or Chatham House discussions to ensure that great expertise and perspectives can flow into our work.
If you had the power to do so unilaterally, what one party (not government) policy would you change, and what would you change it to?
I would like us to bring back the "1 penny on income tax" policy to better fund education and youth services. If we are to be the party of optimism, young people and the future then we should put our money where our mouth is.
What is your view on electoral pacts? Should the party make them, and if so, who with?
I think the public take a dim view of politicians colluding for power and depriving them of choice. In selective cases there may be good arguments to work with others but, broadly, there are dangers of being damaged (again) with 'Vote Lib Dem, get Labour/Conservative/etc' tactics.
I also think we need to attract voters from all parties. If we are part of the 'gang up against the Tories' gang, for example, then it is unattractive for those voters who are on the fence between us and the Conservative Party.
The list of all candidates who have answered can be found here.