Meet our volunteers: Samantha Payne
Hear from Samantha Payne about why she joined the Lib Dems locally:
When did you join the Lib Dems?
I'm a very new member and joined the Liberal Democrats in August 2019.
What made you join the party?
I've voted Liberal Democrat all my voting life but had never got seriously involved with politics. I found myself getting frustrated with the news and Brexit and shouting at the TV and decided I needed to become more educated about politics and have more robust information to debate the pros and cons of Brexit with friends and family.
What was the final push to make you get actively involved?
I guess a few things happened over time. Jo Swinson was elected leader of the Lib Dems and I really wish I'd been a member and able to vote and support that choice. Boris Johnson became Prime Minister. Then I got a local party leaflet through my door saying that the Lib Dems would Stop Brexit. That was the final push.
Have you always been involved with politics?
No, I've never considered myself political before but now I would describe myself as a political campaigner (after just 3 months)
What do you do when not volunteering?
I'm a full-time Marketing Manager for a local Charity. I also like to get involved with local Amateur Dramatics when the political scene isn't quite as dramatic as it currently is.
What type of volunteering activity do you get involved with?
I help with social media, website content, telephone canvassing and leafleting. I've also just become the branch secretary of Haywards Heath Lib Dems.
What do you get out of volunteering with the Lib Dems?
I've met lots of lovely new people. Gained new skills. Learned so many things that help in personal and work life. Leafleting is great exercise. Phone canvassing gives you an idea of the mood locally. Being part of a larger team means I feel less hopeless. It's empowering. The negativity in the press can get overwhelming and doing something constructive with like minded people has been a real boost to my mental health too. I'd highly recommend getting involved.
If you'd like to help get Robert Eggleston elected in this election, let us know how you can help by registering your interest here.