THE Liberal Democrats' candidate for Richmond MP has said residents "deserve better" than to be represented by Conservative candidates that have "parachuted into a constituency they think they own".

Philip Knowles, currently a university lecturer, made the statement as he claimed those in Richmondshire "demanded better" of the current government, and that the two-party system let people down again and again.

The Richmondshire resident, who will so far go up against Conservative candidate Rishi Sunak and The Labour Party's Thom Kirkwood, claimed he would be proud to represent the people he lives amongst.

He said: “We live in a wonderful area but, even so, there are pockets of real poverty in
our constituency.

"Severe cuts to local NHS services, rural transport and public services have made life difficult.

"I hear daily of the disastrous impact that a No-Deal Brexit will have on farmers and businesses locally."

"The Government announcement of potential delays and shortages of fuel, medicines and fresh food is worrying for us all.

“We all deserve better than to be represented by Tory candidates ‘parachuted’ into a constituency they think they own.

"That needs to change. I live, went to school and work here and I’m proud to be part of our community."

He added: "Living here, I too share the issues that we all have to cope with. My family are farmers in Wensleydale and they tell me how badly Brexit could affect our traditional farming livelihoods.”