Editor’s Note: This month party members will be voting to elect our next Party President. At Lib Dem Voice we welcome posts from each of the candidates – one to launch their candidature plus a maximum of one per week during the actual campaign.

Local government is the bedrock of Liberal Democrat politics. It is the layer of politics that is closest to the everyday lives of people – from the mundane to the momentous. It is local government that controls everything from bin collections and fixing roads to adult social care and SEN provision. In fact, around 800 essential services are delivered by this tier of administration. It is little wonder then that Liberal Democrats – long local champions – have been rebuilding and growing our presence on local councils up and down England.

Today our councillors already control billions in public money and deliver life-changing services. They do so diligently and conscientiously, never losing sight of the communities they represent. In my part of the world, South Cambs the Liberal Democrats have been the driving force behind three new towns being built: Northstowe, Waterbeach New Town and the large extension to Cambourne at West Cambourne – along with a future new village at Bourn Airfield. We are building new homes, new town hubs and services for local people with a careful eye on protecting and increasing the area’s bio-diversity. In short we are putting liberalism into action.

These stories of Liberal Democrats working hard need telling and I believe Josh Babarinde – who has been a councillor himself – is best placed to do this as President. I know that he will help bring the LGA, ALDC and HQ’s experience and expertise together to ensure that the work of our councillors get the profile they deserve and I know he has already started thinking of how we can make the bonds between our councillors and MPs stronger.

Josh wants to pilot a buddying scheme between some of our council group leaders and parliamentarians to help forge an even closer relationship between Westminster and our town and city halls. In South Cambs we are very fortunate to have wonderful MPs in Pippa Heylings, Ian Sollom and Charlotte Cane. We have been able to work hand in glove to secure the best outcomes for those we serve. Not every Liberal Democrat council group leader will be so lucky and Josh’s plan to pilot a buddying scheme, with our 72 MPs could have a real impact: just imagine how much we could learn from each other from social media use to campaigning in Parliament and beyond.

Having a champion like Josh as President couldn’t come at a more important time. The Liberal Democrats need to be the first and last line of defence against the populist tide we are facing across the country, which has to be in local government too. Josh gets things done. He’s a grassroots organiser and bold communicator who brings the energy and engagement we need to fight back against populism, and offer a politics built on prosperity, community and optimism.

At a time when trust in politics is at an all time low, it is vital that we, as councillors, feel that sense of unity and purpose. I believe Josh will make us stronger so we can hold back the tide of populism together, that is why I will be voting for him to be our next party President.

* Cllr Bridget Smith is the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Local Government and Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council