I am studying for a part-time PhD at the University of Sheffield. My research project looks at the impact of lies and misinformation on the health of Western democracy, in particular in the USA. I am exploring both our theoretical understanding of the truth in a political context, and more practical questions of whether legal or professional consequences for those politicians and media representatives who lie to the public would help to restore public trust in our democratic process and institutions. My professional background includes five years as a political communications and campaigns consultant, and five years as the senior parliamentary assistant to an MP.