PRESS RELEASE: Liberal Democrats select Monica Harding in Esher & Walton to fight the next general election

As the party prepares for a possible early election, the local Liberal Democrats have selected Monica Harding as their Parliamentary Candidate for Esher and Walton.

She is challenging the incumbent MP Dominic Raab on an anti-Brexit, anti-austerity platform.

Monica said:

“Elmbridge voted 60% to stay in the EU and our MP has disregarded our views. Raab’s hard Brexit views do not represent us as a community – that's why I’m running.”

“I will campaign for a People’s Vote to end a Brexit that serves Dominic Raab rather than his constituents’ best interests. The time for putting self-interest and party politics above our country’s interests needs to end. I will fight for local residents’ interests and represent the views of our community honestly.”

Monica has lived in Thames Ditton for over a decade and is married to Jon, with four children at local schools in the borough. She is Vice Chair of Governors at a state primary school in Thames Ditton and has held positions on the boards of several charities.

“I demand better for our children – and a different kind of future than the Tories offer. I will fight school cuts, underinvestment in the NHS, the black hole in social care spending and the continuing chaos on South Western Railway which lets down our residents on a daily basis.’

Monica has held high profile positions in the public, private and third sector in the UK and internationally. Her CV includes: Associate Consultant at PA Consultancy, CEO of the Industry and Parliament Trust, CEO at Refugees International Japan and Director of Communications for the British Council - working in Japan, China, France and the UK.

In these roles, she has honed her skills in communications, campaigning and advocacy, strategic direction and driving organisational efficiency.

Monica will stand up for liberal values and progressive policies and is committed to bringing transparency and integrity to politics.