In 2019, I was Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Leeds Central, where we more than doubled the vote, amidst disappointing national results. I spoke about the EU (a lot), the NHS, mental health, redistribution, regulated capitalism, tax rises, and climate change (a lot) as part of a positive campaign. The main reason for standing was to protect my European family, friends and colleagues. And, in a few years, I will be able to tell my son that I did try to stop Brexit. Until 2016 I was normal enough not to be a member of a political party. But in an era of Trump, Brexit, and populism, it was vital to stand up and to try.