Kieren McCarthy

Meet the candidate

One of the most common complaints people have about their local representative is that they don't see them often enough. So I've decided to come to you.

We've been running "neighbourhood teas" or "WhatsApp street meets" where someone organises a meeting of roughly 6-12 people at their home through their street's WhatsApp group.

We meet up, having a cup of tea (sometimes a glass of wine) and discuss what's on people's minds. I come to listen, provide my thoughts, and outline any plans I or the Lib Dems have.

It's been very popular, often because it brings neighbours together to talk about issues bothering them. So if this is something that interests you, especially during this election season, then let's do it!

We asked one host - Cynthia - to write us a guide so people would know how it works, and you can book me for a meet-up right now, using an online calendar that links to mine.

Click here to see when I'm available and to book a time.

Kieren's key priorities

Save the High Street

There are over 20 closed shops on Putney High Street alone. Our political representatives keep pointing at the problem but do nothing to fix it. Yes, it’s complex, but it’s also fixable given sufficient effort and creativity. I’ve started a charity focused on turning the situation around by bringing together the community, businesses and landlords. Ask me about it.

Europe and the Economy

After this election, many of the voices that made Brexit so damaging and divisive will no longer be in Parliament. We can finally have a serious conversation about the relationship with our closest and largest trading partner over the Channel, build back ties and get our economy moving again. Only the Liberal Democrats are in a position to drive this.

Fixing Thames Water

Thames Water has been a disaster, pumping raw sewage into the Thames and Wandle due to a governance system designed by the current government. Labour won’t change that system. The Lib Dems will, turning water companies into public benefit organisations. I won election to the Board of a public benefit organisation. Ask me about it.

Put a stop to bad housing plans

We need more housing in Wandsworth but the approach adopted first by the Conservatives and now by Labour has been dreadful: developed with short-term thinking, imposed on people, and damaging to the local and broader community. Putney needs people willing to put in the time and effort to find the best solution. I am one of them.

Did you know…

Lib Dems run large parts of South West London.

And do it really well.

Richmond, Twickenham and Kingston are great examples of what London can and should be - and they are entirely run by the Liberal Democrats, both the council and MP. Wimbledon is going the same way.

Putney is an incredible place to live but it has been let down by its representatives - just take a look at our High Street.