18 year old activist selected to fight for Strood South
The Medway Liberal Democrats have chosen Isabelle Cherry, an 18 year old activist, as their candidate for the Strood South by-election
Isabelle Cherry, an 18 year old activist, has been chosen to lead the charge for the party. The Strood South ward has significantly high levels of income deprivation compared with the average for Medway - the proportion of children living in poverty in the area stands at over 25%.
Isabelle Cherry says, "Over the last 10 years we've seen Labour, Conservative and UKIP councillors in Strood South and I believe it is time for a change. Not only has child poverty risen under their leadership, but GCSE attainment in the ward is more than 20% lower than the Medway average! This is unacceptable."
Miss Cherry, who has lived in Medway all her life and has worked passionately with the Liberal Democrats and other campaign groups for the last few years, says education, employment and transport are her key campaign issues.
"I am especially passionate about ensuring fairness for young people and families in the area. For example, the young person's bus travel pass offered by Kent County Council is much better value than the Medway Youth Pass. This cost is then passed on to families as most young people using the pass are not old enough to work. - I would campaign to change this."
Isabelle's positive campaign for Strood South is centred on the following pledges:
1) Campaigning for each primary school in Strood South to be good or outstanding by 2020 and for Strood Academy to be outstanding in at least 2 out of 4 areas of inspection. Where necessary to achieve this, I will support trusts and school boards in the area.
2) Work with other councillors, local residents and the council services to reduce litter in Strood South, an issue which has been highlighted by local residents.
3) Improve fairness and effectiveness of public transportation services and costs for local residents.
Isabelle Cherry continues, "This election represents an opportunity for local people to vote for change, to say that the status quo and current leadership is not working, and to show their support for families and young people in the area."