He is the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Policy and Resources.

He says 'As in most parts of the country, the state of the roads in Hertfordshire is not what it should be. Unfortunately, we are in a partnership with just one contractor for the next 3 years. At the same time, like most shire counties, we have a public transport system that is a poor shadow of what is available in most European countries - more expensive and less comprehensive. Most of the blame for that rests with successive national governments. We desparately need the power to specify the bus service we need, as is the case in London, for example.

The latest nonsense is that rail travellers on most of the lines in Herts now have to pay a hidden 'stealth' tax on the fares; this is because the new rail franchises were let on the basis that the operators have to pay increasing 'premiums' from their fare income, over to the government - this will amount to over £40million next year from First Capital Connect alone - the operator for the former Thameslink and Great Nothern routes. How this fits with the idea that we should abadon our cars and use the train is something only the government can explain.
You can join the campaign against this bonanza for Gordon Brown by registering your opposition at the website notaxontickets.co.uk.

There are very limited financial resources available for road and footpath maintenance. I am determined to make the best of the network we have. I am disappointed with the quality of inspections carried out, and also the supervision of repairs. Please let me know of road, footpath, verge and transport problems and I will do my best to help.' Malcolm was quickly in to the fight against the extra housing being forced on Welwyn Hatfield by the recent inspectors' report; he says 'Not only was there no consultation with local councils, there is no sign that the necessary infrastructure improvements would be provided; our towns will coalesce as Green Belt is swallowed up.'

Malcolm has also taken a keen interest in the quality of school meals, following the Jamie Oliver series. 'It was an eye-opener for me, to see how much some healthy food improved both health and behaviour of the children. Switching from foods with unnecessary additives to fresher food reduced asthma and cut disruptive behaviour.

He is a long-standing member of the executive committee of the WGC Society and involved in steps to conserve the design and spirit of the town. He has organised WGC's involvement in Heritage Open Days over the last 7 years, and sits on the national steering group for this event as the representative of civic societies. He has published several free guides to aspects of the town and produced the interpretation board at Meadow Green commemorating the 1922 Daily Model Village in the town.
In his spare time he is an active supporter of Watford FC, Hertfordshire's only senior soccer club and occasionally writes reports of matches.