I’m currently an elected member of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Full statement

I have represented my ward of Westmoreland for over 9 years….as an Independent. Why Independent…well I think we have all been witnessing the outcomes of tribal party politics, short-term’ism and a constant appeal for ‘likes’ above getting the job done. I represent people not a party colour. Why am I standing to be your next Member of Parliament…Many people across the city have contacted me and have expressed a feeling of political homelessness and no longer believing that a tick for a party promising X, Y & Z, will actually achieve anything for them, their families and our community. We have all been brought up in this environment where we need to express our democratic right but now no longer have faith that the system will serve us. It’s time to change and make a different choice. Bath is a special place. I started work here over 40 years ago, my two children go to local schools, my wife and I both started and run local companies, in education and mental wellbeing. In the last 32 years, we have only had an MP in the ruling party for 7 of those years (5 of them in coalition). We think differently here, our needs and aspirations may not fit the national mould. For 25 of the last 32 years, we have had MP’s that haven’t even been in the Main Opposition party but ‘just’ an MP. Nothing wrong in that, but I am constantly being told we want a constituency MP who cares about what happens locally and is also strong enough to represent us on the national stage. Without the shackles of a manifesto and toeing the party line. I can speak up for you, on the issues you care about. Democracy happens when we put people together, understand each other’s views and find middle ground to move forward with plans and ideas to execute change.