I’m a Shropshire Lad who first came to Newcastle as a student in 1979.

Full statement

I worked in IT in the 80s boom, and then returned to the academic world in the life, archaeological and forensic sciences, retiring in 2020.

I was a wavering Brexit voter inflamed by the disgraceful attempt to overturn the result. This would not have happened if it had gone the other way and was profoundly anti-democratic. For this reason, I supported the Brexit Party until 2019 and stood for Reform UK in my ward in Newcastle in 2021 strongly advocating for an end to the insane and injurious lockdown policies. My attempts to influence Reform to take a stronger stance at national level fell on deaf ears and, still frustrated, I took a look at the SDP. Their policies are sensible, overlapping in places with those of Reform. Most importantly, however, the SDP seemed properly democratic and consultative of its members with an approachable leadership – and definitely not a vanity project. I have since found all this to be the case and feel very at home in the SDP. I am overjoyed at the growth in the Party in such a short time – fielding 122 candidates in the 2024 General Election.

I live in Newcastle North, but only 100m from the adjoining Newcastle East and Wallsend, both constituencies having been redrawn for 2024. I know and have lived in both areas, but presently live in and am more familiar with Newcastle North. My MP was Nick Brown who was suspended by the Labour Party in 2022 for why-we-know-not, depriving the voters of their chosen representation ever since. Keir Starmer’s cynical burying of this issue is itself scandalous.

Newcastle North has large swathes of rental properties that are often poorly maintained despite spiralling rents, and I anticipate SDP housing policies will be attractive to voters. Everyone will be concerned about the cost of living, and our energy policies should ensure more affordable domestic bills and cheaper costs for industry, which should again bring prices down.

As well as reshoring industry, we hope to provide more support for small businesses and the self-employed, recognising these form a significant and important part of the economy.

There is a substantial care sector in the constituency and the SDP plans for a combined national care service will improve conditions for care staff and residents.

To learn more about the SDP please visit sdp.org.uk.

There are lots of opportunities to help with campaigning in Newcastle North and other North East constituencies. In the North East, please make contact by email with northeast@sdp.org.uk.

For Newcastle North, please use the following contacts: Email: martin.evison@sdp.org.uk Twitter: drmartin_evison