Former defence secretary Liam Fox visited Teddington last week, meeting Twickenham parliamentary candidate Councillor Tania Mathias.

Dr Fox attended Normansfield Theatre on Thursday, February 27, giving people to opportunity to ask questions and hear about national issues.

The MP for North Somerset, who held the defence secretary position in 2010 and 2011, was joined by Hampton Wick resident Coun Mathias, who addressed local issues.

Dr Mathias, who hopes to overthrow long-standing Twickenham MP Vince Cable in next year’s general election, said: “I entered politics believing it is a way of improving our lives.

“I seek your support to oppose the family homes tax and argue for an increase in the stamp duty threshold to £500,000 so more young people can settle in the area and contribute to our expanding economy.

“This is a vibrant area with many different industries requiring a variety of skills.

“Health and welfare are also at the top of my agenda.”

The auditorium was attended by 120 people, including a number of A-level politics students who asked questions.

Dr Fox, who was a GP before being elected to Parliament in 1992, then spoke to the audience about why more people in the borough should turn to Conservative values.

He said: “Conservatives are a party for working people and their desire to improve their standard of living.

“Wages must be ahead of benefits, but we need to support those who cannot look after themselves.

“Getting people off welfare is a moral and economic necessity and increases self-worth.”

On the subject of immigration, Dr Fox said he favoured a point-scoring system similar to that used in the United States.

He also spoke about the importance of the UK remaining in the European Union.

Speaking about Scottish independence, the Scotsman added: “I am proud to be British and we are a great kingdom because we are a United Kingdom.”