Dear NS Times,

I was pleased to see the Conservative government ousted in July.

While the new Labour administration brings a welcome seriousness to government, they must aim higher than merely being "better than the last lot."

Unfortunately, the recent budget fell short, packed with large figures but lacking in vision.

The Office for Budget Responsibility warns it won’t boost growth over the next five years, and disposable incomes are set to fall.

Though increased NHS funding is positive, broader reforms seem absent.

It was a botched budget that fails to fix broken Britain.

Last week in his column, our new MP claimed that "90 per cent of people will be better off" — a statement that seems more Labour propaganda than reality.

As our representative, he must choose: serve as our voice in Westminster or be the Labour Party voice in North Somerset.

We need a champion in Parliament, not just a party spokesperson.

Ash Cartman

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for North Somerset

North Somerset councillor for Long Ashton Ward