Introducing Chang Liu, Council candidate for Newham, Cambridge 4 May 2023

I'm currently a third year medical student, I joined the Liberal Democrats in my first year of university. I quickly became involved with the Cambridge University Liberal Association (CULA) and served as the campaigns officer for the 2022-23. In this role, I organised students for local election campaigns as well as student-related issue campaigns.

When asked to provide a committee bio on why I am a liberal, I wrote that I'm a political idealist. To me, an ideal society is one where individuals can pursue their own happiness and express themselves freely. While I sometimes cringe at how I expressed myself, this reason remains as true to me as it did when I first put it down.

Brexit was my political awakening, and participating in a debate on the Remain side of the issue opened up a new world to me about international relations and politics. The issue of Brexit followed me from secondary school to sixth form and university as elections were called after elections. It was during this process that the Liberal Democrats emerged as a party that first attracted me for their unashamedly pro-EU stance over Brexit.

As I learned more about liberalism and what the Liberal Democrats stand for, I realised that this party's vision aligns with my own. The Liberal Democrats aim for a fair, free, open, and caring society where everyone can develop their talent to the full. As someone who grew up in China and moved here with my parents when I was young, I believe in the vision that we can and should have a society where every member can express their full potential.

My involvement with the Liberal Democrats has been a journey, and it started with being dragged to the doorsteps to canvass for the 2021 local election in Cambridge. Now, two years later, I find myself standing as a candidate for Cambridge city council in the 2023 local election. I'm proud to be part of a party that fights for a fairer deal for all members of our society. Now more than ever, we need more Liberal Democrats on all levels of government to continue this fight for a country that's caring, open, and free.