Candidate Profile: Mary Varrall, Lib Dem

Mary has lived in the constituency for almost 30 years.

Her deep sense of community means that she has always been involved with local groups,starting with playgroup when her children were small.

She has worked with the youth group, served as a school governor and since 1996 has been a parish councillor.

Mary has been chair of Etchingham Parish Council for 12 years and instrumental in obtaining new play equipment and speed restriction signs, and the setting up of the community shop. She actively supports the project for a new village hall.

As a parish councillor, she serves on the Rother Association of Local Councils and has served on Rother's Standards Committee since its commencement.

Living and working in the local community gives Mary a good understanding of the needs of local people.Her parents' recent move to Bexhill has also reinforced her understanding of urban matters within the constituency.

Since standing in the 2005 General Election, Mary has been working closely with Rother and Wealden Liberal Democrat councillors, increasing her awareness of matters which concern Bexhill and Battle.

With the inclusion of Heathfield, Mary welcomes the challenge to work in a wider area and to represent the whole electorate at Westminster.