In our series of talks with local political figures, 999Kingsbridge's Nick Gibbens speaks to Devon County Councillor Julian Brazil.

Julian, who lives in East Prawle, is the prospective Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Totnes seat at the next general election. The 43-year-old reveals all about local politics, Barack Obama, the destruction of the world’s rainforests and what he had for tea last night.

What sets you apart from all the other candidates running for the Totnes seat?

"Totnes needs a new lease of life. We need to put Totnes on the political map if we are to solve many of the problems we face: the lack of local housing, a decline in our traditional industries, the loss of rural services and communities, grossly unfair funding for our schools to name but a few. I live and work locally. I already have a proven track record of working and winning for local communities. I'm the only candidate that can beat Anthony Steen and people want a change."

What would you do to help the first-time buyer in the South Hams?

"Use the planning system at every opportunity to build more houses for local people. There is a big discrepancy between Teignbridge and South Hams Councils on how they interpret planning legislation. As a result many more affordable houses are built in Teignbridge. Introduce an impact tax on second homes. This revenue can help finance house building. I personally would start using compulsory purchase of suitable land at sensible prices. Any housing policy has got to be based on need not greed."

What can be done to keep more young people in the area?

"We need to provide more affordable housing for local people and create better jobs."

Do you think Kingsbridge needs two supermarkets?

"No. I am not a fan of supermarkets or any chain store come to think of it."

How would you get South West Water to lower its sky-high water rates?

"The privatization of water and the creation of monopolies is not working. There should be a standard water rate across the whole country."

Do you think council tax rates are too high in the South Hams?

"Yes. We need to replace council tax with a more progressive tax based on ability to pay."

Do you think wind farms are the way forward?

"Wind farms in the right place are part of the way forward."

Why did you become interested in politics?

"I was always very keen on the environment and got a job at Westminster as an environmental researcher for the Liberal Democrats. I'm the ex-chairman of the Green Lib Dems."

What can be done to engage more young people into local politics?

"Make politics relevant to young people by campaigning on issues that they care about. The environmental agenda is one such opportunity. Young people aren't really interested in party politics; they tend to fight for single issues. Like most people, they are turned off by the 'punch and Judy' style of British politics. It is up to politicians to capture their imagination and show them how powerful they can be."

What progress do you think your new leader Nick Clegg has made so far?

"Nick has brought back credibility to the Party. In a year or so he will be a real force in British politics."

Are you the beneficiary of a protest vote?

"Not now. People can see how Lib Dems have represented them and they like it. In my County division, I achieved a swing from the Conservatives of about 18 per cent - this was a positive vote for the work I had done on the District Council."

The Conservatives want us to Vote Blue, Go Green. Are they stealing your agenda?

"They'd like to. The truth is when you see them in action at local level you know it's only a facade."

How would you rate Gordon Brown's performance as PM so far?

"He started well or perhaps people were just pleased to see the back of Tony Blair. His control-freak tendency will always hinder him though."

Who would you like to see become the next president of the USA and why?

"Barack Obama. America needs a new start be it with foreign policy or the environmental agenda. I think Obama can do just that."

Who is your greatest political hero?

"I would have to say David Lloyd George. Lloyd George was one of the great reforming British chancellors of the 20th century and PM from 1916 to 1922."

What is your greatest political achievement to date?

"Helping people I am elected to represent and making sure their views are heard."

What would you have done as a career if you had not become interested in politics?

"A teacher."

If you could change one thing about this world, what would it be?

"Stop the destruction of the rainforests."

Do you dream of having children one day?

"Yes."

What are your hobbies?

"All sports especially football and cricket. Fishing and gardening. I used to do a bit of sculpture when I had the time."

What did you eat for tea last night?

"Cheese on toast."

What is your favourite food?

"Crab."

What is your favourite TV programme?

"That's easy, Match of the Day."

What car do you drive?

"MGF."

Look out for our interviews with Totnes MP Anthony Steen and UKIP's Jeff Beer.