SOLICITOR Dominic Graham is standing for election for the Liberal Democrats.

The Colchester councillor is originally from Newcastle and studied at the University of Central Lancashire and the College of Law in York.

In his work, he specialises in medical negligence.

As a former commuter, he says he had first-hand knowledge and experience of the frustrations caused by train delays and the cost of travel.

Mr Graham is currently a ward councillor for Mile End in Colchester after being elected in 2014.

A keen footballer and golfer, he lives in Colchester with his wife Gemma and young family.

Why you should vote for me

After talking to residents in Harwich and North Essex, it’s clear two of the biggest issues facing them are the crisis within the NHS and the sub-standard transport links in the area.

The Liberal Democrats are the only party to promise to increase NHS funding by £8billion, which is essential in our area given the problems that have recently faced Colchester Hospital.

We need to employ more doctors and nurses to help ease the burden of a growing population on our local health service and make it the pride of north Essex, rather than the magnet for criticism it has become.

That money we’ve promised for the NHS includes £400million towards early support for those suffering mental health problems. It is time mental health is placed as high on the agenda as physical illness.

Having commuted from Colchester to London for over two years, I’m painfully aware of the regular difficulties facing a huge number of railway passengers week in, week out.

I recently met with Baroness Kramer, a Minister in the Department of Transport, to discuss the region’s railway franchise and have called for a Recall Clause to be introduced. This would allow the government to cancel a poorly performing franchise.

I also fully support cross-party attempts to improve the A120, a vital link between a major port and the region’s international airport.

Dualling the A120 is essential to unlocking the potential of Harwich and North Essex, and I will continue to push for funds to be invested by the Highways Agency.