Dominic Martin announced as East Hampshire MP candidate for the Liberal Democrats

East Hampshire Liberal Democrats are delighted to announce that Dominic Martin has been reselected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the East Hampshire constituency. 

Dominic came within just 1,275 votes of defeating Conservative MP Damian Hinds in the 2024 General Election. That makes the seat one of the most marginal in southern England. 

A former ambassador, Dominic’s CV includes organising the 2013 G8 summit in Northern Ireland, leadership of the UK’s climate change attaché network and involvement in the development of the 2010 Bribery Act. Until November 2025, he served on the board of Transparency International UK. He contributes to development of Liberal Democrat party policy on the economy and international security.

Living in Petersfield these days, he has held over 5,000 door-step conversations with voters across the constituency over the last two years.

“As someone who lives here and has campaigned in every ward, I believe I have the local credibility to be a genuine champion for East Hampshire,” he said.

Following his selection, Dominic criticised the Conservatives’ record locally, citing what he called “years of complacency” on housing, the environment, farming and local services.

“The Conservatives have had a very long run indeed in East Hampshire. But they have continually failed to deliver for residents. Now is the time for a local Liberal Democrat champion,” he said.

If elected, Mr Martin said his focus would be:

• Addressing the cost-of living challenges that we are all facing now.
• Supporting local small businesses and high streets.
• Strengthening the rural economy and farming.
• Promoting affordable homes with proper infrastructure and in the right places, with a Local Plan to manage development, as has been done in Liberal Democrat councils in Chichester and Winchester.
• Cleaning up rivers and the environment; and
• Improving NHS access and transport links..

Dominic warned that Britain faces “immense challenges”, including the climate crisis, weak economic growth and international instability.

“Reform UK and the Conservatives say ‘Britain going it alone in the world’ is the answer. We Liberal Democrats know that’s a recipe for disaster,” he said. “Only by working with our friends, allies, and closest trading partners - especially in Europe, can we deliver a secure and prosperous future.” 

Dominic believes there is “a strong case for much greater investment in our defence and national resilience in the light of growing international security challenges” and that Hampshire, with its long tradition of support for our armed forces, will play an important role in facing those challenges. 

He said his international experience in climate diplomacy, EU negotiations and conflict prevention motivates him to “stand up to populism” and promote “practical, evidence-based solutions”, working with other countries. 

“Only the Liberal Democrats are refusing to give in to Farage’s brand of politics,” he added. “We’ll keep fighting for a brighter UK future of growth, fairness and cooperation - not talking our country down, demonising scapegoats and sowing division within our United Kingdom. I’m proud to champion Liberal Democrat values and to deliver for East Hampshire.”