Meet Tahir Maher, Liberal Democrat candidate for the Earley and Woodley constituency

Tahir Maher is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Earley and Woodley constituency.

Aged 65, he works as an accountant and has years of public service as a councillor under his belt.

Claim to the area:

I have lived in Earley for about 22 years. I have been a local Councillor in Earley for over 13 years and a Borough Councillor. I have also been Mayor of Earley.

What are the three biggest challenges facing the people of Earley and Woodley?

- As in many places, there is a lack of timely medical services, be that A&E waiting time, GP appointment, lack of  NHS dental service, to name a few

- In parts of our community, many residents are facing the harsh impact of the cost of living crisis

- Limited funding for local authorities is limiting so many services that should be available to residents

What causes will you be championing if elected as an MP?

- More funding for Primary Care and mental health

- Greater focus on climate change

- Sewage spills into our rivers. The water companies must be held accountable

- More tolerance of race, LGBT+, and migrant issues.

- I feel as a society, we don't do enough to support those disabled in our communities to offer them the same  opportunities that we are lucky to have

What car do you drive?

A Mercedes

What's your favourite film or TV show?

Godfather 1, Fist full of dollars

When was the last time you cried?

When I was about 16.

What's your stance on drug legalisation, and have you ever taken any drugs in your past?

I am open to a data-driven recommendation on this matter. The whole area is complex, and numerous factors have to be weighed up (some requiring long-term exposure to drugs to understand fully the impact) before a judicious decision can be made.

It's clear to me that drugs are primarily a health issue, and we need policies to reflect this, rather than driving the problem underground and into the hands of criminals.

I have never taken drugs.