My interest in politics has given me a full appreciation of where politics practised badly in this country can lead to. I always stand up and speak out against politicians who appear to have one eye on their own popularity and the other on the ballot box.
I am a long time Swindon resident and have lived here for almost 28 years. I have worked in the public sector for the best part of 35 years and have been a councillor for 15 years. My interest in politics has given me a full appreciation of where politics practised badly in this country can lead to. I always stand up and speak out against politicians who appear to have one eye on their own popularity and the other on the ballot box. I think you know the type I mean, always in the papers, on the radio "spouting" an opinion on all and sundry and getting upset if they are not the centre of attention.
"I belong to Labour because I care about providing the best front line services to the taxpayer" – Steve Wakefield
I will not do that as I speak up for individuals and the community as a whole. My aim is to represent and be an advocate for the people. It’s not to tell them that I know what’s best for them. I have a family who live in Swindon and I am concerned about their future. Will they have enough opportunity in education and will there be jobs? How good or bad will the road system and public transport be in a few years time? Council and government policies along with the present political approach to our daily lives has seen a "pop up tent" in the car park of Great Western Hospital to try and meet demand, while people are losing their homes because of a "tax" on their bedrooms. The list is endless, but I worry most about the increase in food bank use and poverty levels.
I belong to the Labour Party because I care about providing the best front line services to the taxpayer. I would like to see a change in government and local council.