Karen Gillard

A bit about Karen

Karen was brought up by her grandparents and educated in Torpoint. After completing her A-Levels, having worked in the catering industry in order to support her during her studies, she worked in the publishing and advertising industries in Plymouth. Karen then went into the Civil Service for four years.

In 1996, Karen started her degree in law at the University of Plymouth. She completed her legal training at the Guildford College of Law and the Inns of Court School of Law before being called as a Barrister by Middle Temple in 2004.

Karen began her political career in 2000 when she was elected as a Conservative councillor in Plymouth. In September 2001, Karen defected to become the only Liberal Democrat councillor in the city. By the time Karen was re-elected in 2003, she had built a team of Liberal Democrat councillors, becoming their Leader in Plymouth. During her years as a councillor in Plymouth, Karen sat in opposition, control, and held the balance of power. At the same time as serving as a councillor, Karen was also the head of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidates Office at Cowley Street. All of these experiences have provided her with a truly outstanding political apprenticeship.

Karen has now returned to her home constituency, South East Cornwall, and is campaigning hard on saving local Post Offices, dental services, and to get a fair deal on water rates for local people. If elected she wants to make sure that people get access to good education and employment, and to make sure that the elderly are properly cared for.

Speaking recently Karen said,

"I feel I am well-equipped to campaign for the people of South East Cornwall, not only in Westminster, but wherever and whenever the need arises. I have always been based here and as a result I share and understand many of the concerns of local people."

Having worked in the private and public sector prior to training as a Barrister, Karen knows how to get things done at all levels. She will be a strong voice for South East Cornwall as our next MP.