For nearly forty years, I have lived, worked and brought up my family in the constituency so I think I have the right to claim that I am the only truly local candidate.

There are vital local and national issues we have to face:

Education: Liberal Democrats strongly oppose the funding cuts to Tamworth schools. The picture is bleak, with 98 per cent of our schools set to lose funding, at a time when costs are rising and pupil numbers growing. The government have just not taken this into account.

Liberal Democrats believe in the highest standards of animal welfare and conservation and will continue to fight for these. We recognise that many animal welfare issues require multilateral action to be tackled effectively. We will provide greater resources for international environmental cooperation, particularly on actions to tackle illegal and unsustainable trade in timber, wildlife, ivory, and fish. Such multilateral action will also require us to continue to work closely with our European neighbours. Liberal Democrats will fight to ensure all EU animal welfare legislation is protected throughout any Brexit negotiations. As well as this we will strengthen and expand the EU-wide ban on battery caged hens through a total ban on caged hens. We will also ensure that future trade deals require high safety, environmental and animal welfare standards for food imports, including clear and unambiguous country of origin labelling for meat and dairy products.

Don't forget - coming up on Monday June 5th, the Burton Lib Dem Pint and, on 12th, the Tamworth Pub Monday.

Burton's pint at 7.30 pm at the Coopers Tavern, Cross Street, DE14 1EG, and Tamworth's at the Market Vaults Tamworth B79 7LU at the same time.

Contact details by clicking on the date in the Diary pages

Ministers are to consult on reforming the system of social care funding in England after Conservative plans were slammed as a Dementia Tax during the election.

Commenting, Shadow Health Secretary Norman Lamb said: "Social care is in a state of total crisis. A million older people are missing out on care they need and services face a funding black hole of billions in this year alone.

The Liberal Democrats have vowed to oppose any attempts to weaken workplace rights, health and safety standards and environmental protections as part of the government's Repeal Bill.

The party is also calling for proper oversight and transparency over the Repeal Bill, after the government's White Paper hinted at a power grab by ministers through the use of so-called Henry VIII powers.

Donald Trump's state visit to the UK appears to have been shelved for at least two years after it was not included in the Queen's speech.

Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Alistair Carmichael commented: "It took Theresa May just seven days to offer Donald Trump a state visit, it's taken her 145 days to officially postpone it.