The Richmond Park byelection was triggered Zac Goldsmith’s resignation from the Conservative party over the planned expansion of Heathrow. Goldsmith, who is standing as an independent, has campaigned on the issue or airport expansion. He says the vote is a chance “to send a message via the ballot box both to Heathrow and the government”.
Other candidates see the election differently. The Lib Dems, mindful that Richmond is a seat that voted Remain, see this as a ballot on ‘hard’ Brexit. Their candidate, like Goldsmith, opposes Heathrow airport expansion. Goldsmith, meanwhile, is a hardline Brexiter.
Both the Conservatives and Ukip chose not to field a candidate against Goldsmith. Meanwhile local Green party members have criticised their party’s co-leader Caroline Lucas for backing the Lib Dems, citing the party’s record as part of David Cameron’s coalition government. Instead, they have called on their members to back Labour’s Christian Wolmar instead.
We want to hear from local voters and supporters from across the political spectrum for their take on the byelection. What are the main issues you are considering when deciding to vote? Have you been impressed with Goldsmith as a local MP? If you’re a Ukip or Green party supporter, what do you think of your party’s decision not to field a candidate? And do you think the vote will have wider implications?
You can share your views by filling out the form below. We will use a selection of your responses in our reporting.
