Ahead of the general election on Thursday, July 4, the candidates for South and West Dorset have spoken to The Echo about why they should get your vote.

Each day, one candidate will be featured. Today's candidate is Matt Bell.

Matt Bell, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for South Dorset:

"I want to champion the needs of the community in which I grew up, live, teach and raise my family.

"I already fight for the needs of Dorset people every day as a councillor and activist on issues such as flooding, car parking and pharmacies.

"I want to continue to provide South Dorset with a listening ear and a strong voice, but this time in Westminster!

"Health services are struggling, mortgages and rents have skyrocketed, and filthy sewage has been pumped into our sea.

"The Conservative government are more interested in fighting between themselves than standing up for the needs of communities.

"Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for a fair deal.

"We are now the majority party on Dorset Council and are the main challengers to the Conservatives here, with Labour only returning 2 councillors versus our 42!

"We have the support to win!”