Meet Andy Brown

A member of the Hart Lib Dems team sat down with Andy to find out more about what motivated him to become a District Councillor.

Tell us a bit about your background 

I live in the Blackwater and Hawley area - it’s a great place to live and work. I’ve spent most of my career in the wine trade, doing different commercial roles at large wine companies.

Why did you become a District Councillor for Blackwater & Hawley?

I’ve seen the value that Liberal Democrat Councillors can bring. When Lib Dem Councillor Brian Blewett retired after over 40 years of serving Blackwater and Hawley, I was honoured to take on this community role, and commit time and energy to my local area.

I also want to use my business experience to support Lib Dem-led Hart District Council in their successful running of Hart. It’s great that at a time of cuts and poor national budget decisions, our local Lib Dems have delivered a balanced budget with no cuts in services.

Why are you a Liberal Democrat?

I’ve always held liberal values and supported the Liberal Democrats. I value the importance placed on liberty, equality and community. I believe Liberal Democratic policies are best placed to deliver a strong economy combined with a fair society.  Lib Dems also have the strongest commitment to providing high-quality health and social care. Sadly, from personal experience, I know the Conservatives have ensured these now don’t work. My Dad suffered with dementia and my Mum was his primary carer. In Tory Britain, the hardships and heartaches they unnecessarily had to deal with are too common.

What are some of the issues you are tackling that affect Blackwater & Hawley?

I think it’s critical that the different bodies (Parish, District and County Councils) work together to provide services for the benefit of local residents. With Hampshire County Council controlled by the Conservatives, this is hard but with the other Lib Dem Councillors locally I strive to deliver what’s best for our communities.  We live in a beautiful area. I want to protect our environment for current and future generations. This includes supporting local Liberal Democrat work to protect our green spaces, lobbying to get the County Council to improve public transport services, and tackling the Conservative-created rules that allow water companies to pump raw sewage into our local rivers.