The core of an MP’s job is being a megaphone for their constituents
Chris Adams is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Keighley and Ilkley 🗳️
How have you found the general election campaign so far?
I think voters are being won over by the combination of Ed Davey’s backstory – as a young carer for his mum and now as a carer for his disabled son – and his willingness not to take himself too seriously. We’re also the only party with an overtly optimistic vision, fighting for a ‘fair deal’ for everyone across the country.
How historic is this general election?
Every election is important to the country – and, frankly, it’s more important than ever that we remove this disastrous Tory government from office.
How has Robbie Moore fared as an MP?
He’s been a loyal Conservative and I think the government’s record speaks for itself.
Do you think Labour is going to get into number 10?
In politics you learn to take nothing for granted, but at this stage of the campaign, it would take a brave individual to expect anything different.
Why do you want to be MP for Keighley and Ilkley?
My gran’s mum was from Keighley. As a family, we’ve come a long way thanks to the hard work of my gran and grandad, who wanted their kids to have opportunities they never had.
I want everyone in Keighley and Ilkley to have the same opportunities my family did. That’s what I would fight for as the local MP: to secure a fair deal for everyone in Keighley and Ilkley.
How will you be a strong MP for the constituency?
I’ve always seen the core of an MP’s job as being a megaphone for their constituents. So that’s what I would be committed to doing. Being an MP is a massive privilege, which is all too often taken for granted.
You’re based in London – why should locals vote for you?
Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for a fair deal for our country.
Historically the Lib Dems have not been serious contenders in Keighley and Ilkley. Why will things will be different this time?
The Liberal Democrats are campaigning every day to secure a fair deal for our country – naturally we’re focusing our resources in areas where we are best placed to beat the Conservatives.
Is there an appetite for politics beyond the two main parties?
Of course. And I think that’s a good thing for our democracy.
What's your message for voters heading to the polls in July?
Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to elect a strong local champion who will fight for a fair deal for you and your community. A fair deal where everyone can afford a decent home somewhere safe and clean – with a comfortable retirement when the time comes.
A fair deal where every child can go to a good school and have real opportunities to fulfil their potential. A fair deal where everyone can get the high-quality healthcare they need, when they need it and where they need it. That’s the fair deal the Liberal Democrats are fighting for.
What are your views on climate change?
Climate change is an existential threat. Soaring temperatures leading to wildfires, floods, droughts and rising sea levels are affecting millions of people directly and billions more through falling food production and rising prices. Urgent action is needed – in the UK and around the world – to achieve net zero and avert catastrophe.
At the same time, sky-high energy bills are hurting families and businesses, fuelling the cost-of-living crisis. Russia’s assault on Ukraine has reinforced the need to significantly
reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels and invest in renewables – both to cut energy bills and to deliver energy security.
The Conservative Government has failed to act with anything close to the speed or ambition these challenges demand. The independent Climate Change Committee has warned that the Government isn’t on track to meet its legally binding targets.
Liberal Democrats are committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045 at the latest. We will take the bold, urgent action needed to tackle climate change, cut energy bills and create hundreds of thousands of secure, well-paid new jobs.
Together with innovative British businesses, we’ll make the UK the world leader in the clean technologies of the future. And we’ll help households meet the cost of the transition to net zero and make sure everyone benefits from it, leaving no one behind.
Five years from now, what would you like to have achieved?
I would want us to have made progress across our three key themes: that more people can afford a decent home somewhere safe and clean – with a comfortable retirement when the time comes; that more children can go to a good school and have real opportunities to fulfil their potential; and ensuring greater access to the high-quality healthcare we need, when we need it and where we need it.
How would your friends and family describe you?
I’d like to think they’d describe me as someone who cares deeply about people. I’ve always been passionate about supporting people to fulfil their potential, whether it was mentoring students at university, working as a caseworker for an MP in parliament or, in my current job, managing colleagues.
What do you like to do beyond politics?
I really enjoy walks – although I don’t get enough of them nowadays. One of my favourites has to be walking up the Cow and Calf – followed by a great pub lunch at the Cow and Calf pub! Either that or a scone and tea at Bettys in Ilkley.
Will England going to win the Euros?
I hope so – although we’ll need to up our game if the first few matches are anything to go by!