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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here