Josh Matthews is a multifaceted professional with a background in chemical engineering, sustainability, and local governance. He is currently running as the Liberal Democrat candidate for both the UK Parliament in Lewisham West and East Dulwich and the London Assembly for Greenwich and Lewisham.
Matthews is actively involved in various roles that align with his passion for sustainability and public service.
Matthews has held the position of Chief Sustainability Officer and Practice Leader at HFS Research, where he focused on integrating sustainability into business and technology research. He has extensive consulting experience with firms like Unilever and TotalEnergies, emphasizing sustainable practices within large and small companies.
His work includes significant contributions to industries focusing on energy, utilities, and sustainable supply chains.
A former city councillor for the Newnham Ward in Cambridge, Matthews served as the opposition spokesperson for climate, environment, and city center issues. His political career is marked by his advocacy for sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship.
Matthews is a graduate of Cambridge's Institute for Manufacturing and Loughborough's Chemical Engineering program. He has conducted research on low-carbon hydrogen as a Visiting Scholar at UC Santa Barbara and has published works in the field of Chemical Engineering & Technology.
He co-chairs the Cambridge Alumni for Sustainability and is a delegate to the 2023 UN Climate Summit (COP28). His role extends to being the Vice Chair and Partnerships Lead for the Association of Liberal Democrat Engineers and Scientists, as well as an executive member of the Southwark Liberal Democrats.
In his campaign, Matthews emphasizes a vision of positive politics, hoping to convey a sense of hope and improvement through the Liberal Democrat platform. He aims to address national and local issues by connecting them to the lived experiences of constituents, advocating for a society that offers true equality of opportunity and individual freedom.
Professionally, Matthews describes himself as part "activist, part analyst," with a strong focus on tackling the climate and sustainability emergency. He integrates scientific analysis with strategic and emotive approaches to foster significant environmental and social change.
Josh Matthews is a dedicated advocate for sustainability and liberal democratic values, with a rich background in engineering, consulting, and political activism. His current candidacies for both the UK Parliament and London Assembly reflect his commitment to implementing effective solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing his community and the wider world.
The Liberal Democrats of the United Kingdom are founded on a blend of liberal and social democratic ideologies. They primarily advocate for social liberalism, which supports wealth redistribution while maintaining a critical view of increased state power.
The party emphasizes the intrinsic link between liberty and equality, promoting investments and progressive taxation alongside championing civil liberties and advocating for a less centralized economy. This approach sets them apart from many European liberal parties, which often focus more on classical liberalism.
The Liberal Democrats position themselves across the centre to centre-left spectrum, fluctuating in emphasis over time. Historically seen as centre-left, they were perceived as more centrist during the Cameron–Clegg coalition era.
Economically, they often find themselves between the Conservative and Labour parties, generally leaning closer to Labour. Influential figures like Leonard Hobhouse and Anthony Crosland have notably shaped the party's ideology, particularly in aligning with Crosland's vision of social democracy.
The party is a strong proponent of constitutional reforms, advocating for a decentralized federal structure within the UK, including significant devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales, and English regions. They have consistently supported electoral reforms towards more proportional representation and maintain progressive stances on social issues like LGBT rights and drug reforms.
Their internationalist outlook is evidenced by their sustained advocacy for European integration, including support for the UK adopting the euro, while opposing a European army.
There is a notable ideological diversity within the Liberal Democrats, with various factions advocating different shades of liberal thought. The majority faction, the Social Liberal Forum, supports extensive social liberal policies.
Other groups like the Liberal Reform and "Orange Bookers" propose more economically liberal policies. The party has also debated but not implemented policies like all-women shortlists, reflecting ongoing discussions about equality and representation methods.
The Liberal Democrats have a history of supporting social welfare spending and economic policies that balance free market operations with social protection mechanisms. They have proposed various reforms over the years, including education investment, opposition to further privatization or nationalization, and tax reforms aimed at supporting lower-income groups while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
The party has taken a strong stance on several international issues, supporting interventions where internationally lawful and advocating for responsible foreign policies regarding arms and conflict. They have been a vocal proponent of the UK's involvement in the European Union, promoting policies that enhance integration while also accommodating Eurosceptic perspectives within the party at times.