2021 County Elections – Cuckfield & Lucastes – Alison Rees
I was born and grew up in East Sussex, where my paternal grandmother's family have lived for generations. My mother is from Hong Kong and fell in love with Mid-Sussex when they lived here briefly before I was born, moving back to Lindfield in 1992. I settled in Haywards Heath eleven years ago and work for a charitable trust which funds research and innovation. It is based in London, and affiliated to a large global company. I previously worked for two other charitable sector organisations and for the BBC World Service. I am now also the carer for my mother, who has arthritis as well as a rare form of dementia, and I volunteer in one of the town's charity shops. In my spare time I also walk and swim, play the piano and write, and I enjoy anything to do with fabric, felt or stained glass.
The Liberal Democrats
I joined the Liberal Democrats in 2017 and see us as the party of consensus and common sense; of finding workable ways forward that are both fair and inclusive. Ed Davey's green capitalism drive and the arguments for a basic universal income to replace welfare are compelling propositions, and funding the NHS via fair taxation would be achievable in an economy aimed at self-sustaining enterprise and international partnerships. The party is also in favour of resources being allocated at a more local level, which would mean we could really meet local needs as they arise. A vote for me as your representative for Cuckfield and Lucastes would be a vote for someone who is keen to explore new ways forward, to involve everyone who has something to offer, and who values discussion, participation and hard work.
Why I am Standing
When I tell people I live in Sussex, they always say what a lovely place it must be to live in, and they are right, but I feel that things are stagnating. On the council, there is little diversity in any sense, and this situation has led to things like the closure of Clair Hall with zero consultation, transparency or scrutiny and the now the threat to Children and Family Centres. Things in the wider world are changing in so many ways that we need to prepare for the challenges rather than react to them. More housing has to mean better infrastructure and amenities, and the last year has highlighted lots of issues, health and social care provision being an obvious one, and one which has affected me personally. We have so many natural advantages that lots of people want to live here. Sussex could easily be the best county in the country to call home, but the need to build a stronger community has never been so important.
