Introducing Justin Hinchcliffe, new member on CLD executive

"Way before Covid was known, I started to detect anti-Chinese sentiments and musings. This wasn't just aimed - often aimlessly - at Chinese people, but anyone who 'looked' like them. Fast forward to the Pandemic, Sinophobia went through the roof when little else could leave the home. Conspiracy theorists - aided by far left and right politicians and certain media outlets - blamed, rightly or wrongly, the Chinese government for the outbreak. This led to Asian/Chinese businesses and people being violently attacked and victimised.

Fast forward to 2022, and shortly after I came off my local Council, I went to Hampstead where there was a by-election (a Labour Councillor quit days after he unexpectedly won). I was pleased and honoured to help our Lib Dem candidate, Linda Chung. Linda had previously been the councillor for the area and had a good and high profile. Needless to say, Linda romped home and took the seat off Labour -- with plenty of glum-looking Tories at the count too.

Not long after the election, I met up with Linda and shared my concerns about rising incidents of Sinophobia at Home and abroad. We had more in common than just our love and appreciation for democracy and liberalism and she invited me to join Chinese Lib Dems (CLDs). And, before I knew it, I was co-opted onto the Executive Committee and the rest is, as they say, history"
-- former Councillor Justin Hinchcliffe on why he joined CLDs / the AO's Committee.

Justin Hinchcliffe was born and raised in North London under challenging conditions, so he knows what it is like to be marginalised and voiceless. In later life, Justin has been involved in civic, political and social life. He joined the Conservative Party and held various positions at local and national level - of the One Nation / Ken Clarke variety. Brexit was the straw that broke the camel's back and Justin realised more that it was the Lib Dems who were the natural home for liberals and progressives. He subsequently endorsed MP Lynne Featherstone and joined Haringey Lib Dems. He became a Haringey Councillor shortly afterwards (gaining a seat from Labour in the process!) and becoming an opposition spokesperson on Customer Services (Delivery) and playing an active role on the Planning Committee. He has previously been a primary school and hospital governor. He has also served on the committees of many civil and residents associations.

Justin is Chair of Fundraising for the LibDems in the London Borough of Haringey. He works for the NHS (patient involvement/advocacy) and is a member of Friends of the Earth and the Royal Academy. Justin is a big animal-lover - and the proud owner of Dexter, a Chocolate Labrador.

Editor: Welcome Justin! We are thrilled to have you on the CLD team!