When I met my wife nearly 20 years ago, I would never have expected Watford to shape my life as much as it has. Not only was my wife born and raised in Watford, but that side of my family reach back over 100 years in the area.

Over the years, I have listened to so many personal tales from my family here of how Watford has changed; from the printing industry to the Rolls Royce factory. I have lived and breathed these changes over the past two decades.

Without a doubt, my happiest moment was right here when I held my new-born daughter at Watford General Hospital for the first time. Like all of us, I have also had sad moments too, including the devastating loss of my father-in-law at the same hospital just a few years ago; he was a true Watford hero who fought for our country in the Second World War and even tried out for Watford FC back in the 1940s.

As the son of a lorry driver growing up in the 1980s, I learned early-on about the importance of working hard and taking nothing for granted. I studied physics at university and worked every job going to fund it – from cleaning toilets to patrolling car parks.

I went on to found my own business and later become the vice chairman of the Herts Federation of Small Business. I now regularly lecture at universities.

While Richard and I have different views on Brexit, I cannot fault his outstanding local legacy. Over this campaign I look forward to championing an ambitious set of policies for the local NHS, transport and infrastructure in our town alongside many others.

Politicians should be scrutinised. So do contact me on: dean@dean4watford.com.

  • Dean Russell is Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Watford