LIBERAL Democrat candidate Ross Stalker has promised to tackle some of the biggest issues facing the UK as he campaigns to win over voters in Paisley and Renfrewshire North.

Standing in a Westminster election for the first time, Mr Stalker hopes his views on climate change, mental health services and, of course, Brexit will resonate with constituents.

The political campaigner made Renfrew his home in 2010, after which he studied for a Masters Degree in Biotechnology at the University of the West of Scotland in 2014.

“With my background as a biologist, I understand the urgency of the climate emergency and firmly believe in strengthening environmental protections,” he told The Gazette.

As well as this, Mr Stalker wants to bolster mental health services in Paisley and Renfrewshire North and hopes to garner wider political support for mental health issues.

“As someone who is recovering from depression, I am particularly passionate about improving mental health services,” he continued.

“I also want to raise awareness and improve diagnosis of adult ADHD, having been diagnosed myself.”

Mr Stalker was employed for several years as a campaign organiser for the Liberal Democrats, which meant involvement in three parliamentary elections, the EU referendum and the 2017 local elections.

 

He has also served for over a decade on the Scottish Liberal Democrat Conference Committee, which he feels has given him experience in a range of policy areas.

However, the Brexit issue remains a priority for Mr Stalker, who wants to end the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

“I am concerned about the impact Brexit would have on public services,” he said. “Whether it’s a Tory Brexit, a Labour Brexit or a no-deal crash-out, Brexit will damage the economy and cost public money that we should be spending on real help for people who need it.”

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