I just want broken Britain to work again
If the people of South Cotswolds do me the honour of electing me, I hope I can help make politics more boring. Yes, more boring. Tediously, yawningly boring. I just. Want. Things. To. Work.
I want government to move past the ongoing psychodramas and get on with doing its job, quietly and in the background, providing efficient public services, ensuring that people can afford the basic necessities of life, making sure we have clean rivers and clean air and decent food.
Some may say this is naïve. If life was simple, we’d have no need for politics or politicians. Politics exists because things get complicated, and people have important but incompatible priorities that we need to try and reconcile.
But I believe in fairness. If there are conflicting interests, let’s sit down like adults and have a conversation. Let’s talk, but more importantly, let’s listen. Let’s work together to find a solution that delivers the greatest good to the greatest number over the longest period of time, balancing competing needs and wants, benefiting the many and not just the few.
Big change is coming. We are entering the uncharted and potentially choppy waters of AI, biotech, self-driving cars and gene editing. Like it or not, we’re all going to play a part – not just 650 folks of varying degrees of intelligence, integrity and competence sitting on green leather benches in Westminster.
This is what democracy means to me – devolving power out of Westminster and empowering people to create the future they want. For me, it’s all people working alongside their neighbours to create vibrant, thriving communities where we respect each other despite our differences, and where things work the way we want them to.
I haven’t always rowed solo. My first love was rowing in eights – I just couldn’t find anyone daft enough to want to row across oceans with me. The ultimate goal of a rowing crew is to get a group of people moving in harmony, working together towards a shared goal. It’s a good metaphor.
Ultimately, we’re all in the same boat, the Great British Boat, and at the moment it’s got a few rotten planks and raggedy sails. If I am fortunate enough to be elected this year, it’s my job to help get us shipshape again.
Other Stuff:
Hold the Date: evening of 7th March – We’re planning an event at the Royal Agricultural University about food and farming, with a panel discussion followed by breakout groups to talk about food security, regenerative agriculture, community gardens, and other aspects of food production and distribution. More details coming soon. Mark your diaries!
To keep up to date with me and my campaign, please follow me on Facebook! Or on LinkedIn, if that’s more your style.
We’re keen to welcome more campaigners to our team to help with deliveries and/or doorknocking. Please consider lending us an hour or two a month. Email my wonderful Campaign Organiser, Poppy Fair, for more details.
We are also looking for financial support. Every pound matters – even the price of a weekly latte would help. If you’re ready for positive change in the South Cotswolds, please put your money where your mouth is by hitting Reply to this email, and I’ll let you know how. Thank you! 🙏
Quote of the Week
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller
Have a great week!
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Photo: Me sitting in the stroke seat of the Oxford Lightweights, 1989