Helen Miller-Viney, Liberal Democrats Candidate in Watling South By-Election on 2nd March 2023

Helen has lived in Tamworth with her husband for 22 years, and has an extended family now living all across England.

Immediately before retiring early, she worked at West Midlands Growth Company specialising in Life Sciences job creation. Working with Start-up companies she understands the difficulties of starting business, and overcoming the hurdles to achieve long term success. Prior to this Helen had a successful career in medical diagnostics, covering the UK and Europe.

She now works in Wilnecote as an Exam Invigilator and part-time gardener.

Helen has experienced all aspects of the NHS, being a patient, a visitor, an employee, and a supplier over 60+ years. She has seen the good bits, and the bad bits. The NHS is close to everyone's hearts, and needs to be rescued from the neglect it has suffered from for many years. Quicker access to GPs is a priority for the Liberal Democrats, and is one of the main issues voiced across Watling South, and indeed the whole of Tamworth.

Asked why she thought voters should choose her Helen says, " In my 'previous life' achieving targets came as second nature, but I also get a buzz from helping others achieve theirs, and, I get things done. I think everyone sees that it's time this happened in local politics. After a long time observing politicians, both local and national, I concluded the best way to achieve this is to do it myself and put myself forward as a candidate. Watling South residents want a choice, and a fresh strong voice, which I am providing.

Residents feel neglected and ignored; the streets need maintenance, crime needs addressing, and above all they feel let down by the Conservative lead County Council. I will fight to gain the best results for all the Residents of Watling South, using honesty, action and commitment."

And, as to her priorities, what initiatives would you like to see come to fruition?

" There's a lot of dissatisfaction voiced about County Council decision making in regard to Tamworth, in particular around Highways. I would ensure a vast improvement in the communications to residents, and a more holistic view when granting applications for roadworks. I would push for a better quality of repair wherever feasible; too many times road repairs have to be repeated, or simply get worse than before.

I would like to see residents feel encouraged and empowered to be part of the solution. Too many times people can see the sensible, fair solution to a problem but aren't allowed to contribute or take safe action."