THE Liberal Democrats' candidate for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, officially launched his General Election campaign at the weekend.

The event was held at the CICCIC in Taunton, with a video message from the party’s Leader Sir Ed Davey.

Mr Amos told the gathering: “We need a positive plan for our country like the Liberal Democrats’ fair deal which will put the NHS and social care as our number one priority - funded by restoring the tax on bank profits which the Conservatives cancelled.

“We need MPs who stand for values people can trust – basic standards have been lost and need to be put back.

“Sadly, the Conservatives have broken trust with people in Taunton and Wellington and across the country.

“They have broken trust with those who care about our rivers and environment, with those who care about decent public services, with young people with mortgages and with older people who can’t get a doctor’s appointment or to see a dentist.

“I would be an MP who stands up to the government for people here, rather than do what the occupant of No10 tells them.

“It’s time for change and a new start – it’s time to put an end to the self-serving politicians in Westminster and to bring back people we can trust. I want to be that MP for this, my community.”

In his video message, Sir Ed Davey said the General Election was a chance “to get that change we all so desperately want, and our country desperately needs."

He added: “Taunton and Wellington is a seat we can win and you’ve got a great candidate in Gideon Amos. I’ve known Gideon for many years, he really is first-class.

“He will be a great MP for your community, but he will also be a great voice for Liberalism in Parliament.”

Also speaking at the campaign launch was Lord Paul Tyler the former North Cornwall MP and Parliamentary Private Secretary to Paddy Ashdown, who read a letter backing Mr Amos from Lord Ashdown’s widow, Jane.

Cllr Tom Deakin the Leader of Taunton Town Council and Campaign Chair, and Cllr Dixie Darch the Climate and Environment Lead on Somerset Council, were also present.

Also standing in Taunton and Wellington are Charles Hansard (Reform UK), Rebecca Pow (Conservatives), Rochelle Russell (Communist Party), Ryan Trower (Green Party) and Brenda Weston (Labour).