Liberal Democrat candidate Doug Farmer, who is standing in the Beccles South by-election

Doug Farmer, of Ashmans Road, Beccles, is standing for the Liberal Democrats.

Since moving to Beccles in 1987 I have held various senior management positions with Shell including Lowestoft and London before retiring in 2007.

I am married with three children, all of whom have attended schools in Beccles.

I was the Chair of the Friends of John Leman High School when Rebecca, my eldest daughter, attended the school.

I am an experienced manager and have played a key role in the approval of numerous multi-million pound gas projects many of which have provided a significant boost to the local economy. I am currently the Chair of the Waveney Liberal Democrats.

I believe that the public are best served when elected councillors put aside their differences and focus on the common ground. If elected I would become an independent voice on Waveney District Council stridently representing the interests of Beccles.

I will be more than happy to work diligently with the other parties on policies and programs that are demonstrably of benefit the people of Beccles and Waveney District more generally, for example the Beccles Southern Relief Road and the Third Crossing in Lowestoft.

I am passionate about seeking out and eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring that tax payers’ money is well spent.