BRIDGWATER candidate Claire Sully says the Liberal Democrats have unveiled a ‘manifesto to be proud of’ ahead of the general election.

Party leader Sir Ed Davey urged voters to “Take A Chance” on him as he launched a manifesto with health and care at its “heart” on Monday.

A £9 billion investment in the NHS and social care is at the forefront of the party's plans, with a promise to recruit 8,000 GPs to cut waiting times.

Sir Ed, who is a carer for his 16-year-old son John, launched the party's manifesto by telling audiences about his own experience.

He said: “The truth is, unless we properly value care, unless we properly support carers, we will never be able to fix the crisis in our NHS or get our economy back on track.

“And that’s why I’m so proud the Liberal Democrats have put health and care at the heart of our campaign in this general election, and at the heart of our manifesto too.”

Ed Davey has visited Frome in Somerset on the campaign trail.Ed Davey has visited Frome in Somerset on the campaign trail. (Image: John Wimperis)

The party has also pledged to take the UK back into the European single market and scrap the government's Rwanda plan in the 116-page document, called: “For A Fair Deal”.

Ms Sully said: “The Liberal Democrat manifesto is full of ambition, offering residents in Bridgwater, Burnham, Highbridge and our surrounding villages real change and real hope at a time of considerable hardship for many.

“From a plan to fix our beloved NHS and placing value on social care, to reinvigorating our high streets and the economy, no one is left behind with our proposals to improve the lives of everyone.

“Our plan to offer free personal care to elderly and disabled residents will provide people with the much needed assurance that their care in later life will not provide financial anxiety.

“But at the core of being a Liberal Democrat is our dedicated work to communities.

“Championing communities and striving for a fair deal for you, our constituents, is what we stand for, and my promise is that I will prioritise people.

“The Conservatives have taken for granted our communities in Bridgwater, Burnham and Highbridge for too long.

“If you want integrity, decency and good, sound policies to fix our country, then a vote for Claire Sully and the Liberal Democrats is for you.”

Ms Sully is standing against Pele Barnes (Independent), William Fagg (Reform UK), Ashley Fox (Conservative), Charles Graham (Green Party), Leigh Redman (Labour) and Gregory Tanner (Workers Party).

The deadline to register to vote is 11.59pm on Tuesday, June 18. You can register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.