Election 2010: Hove candidates explain what they can do for you

In the first of a series of features looking at May’s general election, News From Brighton asked the parliamentary candidates for the constituency of Hove and Portslade to tell their constituents why they are standing, what stands them out from their rivals and, if elected, what they would do to help Hove.

The seat of Hove is currently held by Labour MP Celia Barlow, who is standing for re-election against Mike Weatherley from the Conservatives, Paul Elgood of the Liberal Democrats, Paul Perrin of UKIP and the Green Party candidate is Ian Davey. Brian Ralfe is standing as an independent.

NFB: What is the reason for your decision to stand in the Hove constituency?

Celia Barlow – It has been a privilege to live in and represent Hove and Portslade for the past five years and I want to continue my work with local people in making our community a better place.

Mike Weatherley – I am local. I love this city.

Paul Elgood – I believe the city needs to be better represented in Parliament and I will be a strong voice for Hove and Portslade residents, who will put local needs before government whips or positions. I also want to see ID cards scrapped and an end to Trident – investing the money into people instead.

Paul Perrin – Hove and Portslade is a constituency of 100,000 voters – those 100,000 people were only to be offered the option of pro-EU parties/candidates. Hove is a constituency that is local to me so I put myself forward in Hove and offered to finance my own campaign to ensure that those 100,000 people were given the choice between supporting the EU and so government by an unelected commission in Brussels by voting for any of the other parties; or of choosing to support government by directly elected MPs at Westminster by voting for UKIP and myself.

Ian Davey – I first came here to work when I left University and like many liked it so much I stayed. I feel the people of this city, particularly Hove, have been badly let down by those elected to represent them at Westminster. That needs to change and that is why I am standing here.

Brian Ralfe (Independent) – Having been Born and Bred here in Brighton and Hove I am in touch with the feelings of local people and have an understanding of the issues that effect them.

NFB: In one sentence describe what you love most about the Hove constituency?

Celia Barlow – Hove and Portslade are both friendly places in a wonderful setting between the new South Downs National Park and the sea.

Mike Weatherley – People, restaurants and a wonderful seafront.

Paul Elgood – The place I was born and bred, it is home to me.

Paul Perrin – The little niches of village and cafe culture tucked away in unexpected places and the strong neighbourhood feeling that goes with that.

Ian Davey – The place, the people the sea and the Downs.

Brian Ralfe (Independent) – The Vibrance and Diversity of our community.

NFB: What characteristics stand you out from the other parliamentary candidates?

Celia Barlow – I have a proven track record of fighting for local people both in Parliament
and in the community.

Mike Weatherley – I think my video on my web site hopefully answers that. But a ‘down to earth’ local person, and a passion to help the community. I believe in opportunity and freedom of the individual.

Paul Elgood – Local candidate with detailed local knowledge of the issues which matter to residents.

Paul Perrin – I would not seek to judge the other candidates on a personal basis – they
are running for their parties, and it is their parties that should be judged. Clearly, should I be elected is is unlikely that I would be subject to any party whip, but as I support UKIP polices because they coincide with my own views rather than through any financial or other loyalty to a party machine, the Hove and Portslade electorate would get the bet of both worlds – A principled MP with a fully supportive party.

Ian Davey – With a proven track record in local grass roots campaigning I would be a strong independent voice for the people of Hove.

Brian Ralfe (Independent) – What makes me different is that I have lived and worked here all my life, and unlike the other candidates I am independent and have no political baggage.

NFB: If elected, what is the number one policy you will would pursue that would directly
benefit the Hove constituency?

Celia Barlow – Fight to secure the economic recovery to protect jobs in Hove and Portslade.

Mike Weatherley – There is no ‘one’ policy but a whole range. However, the one I am most concerned about locally is over development. For example, the recent Bingo Hall in Portland Road. We desperately need additional housing but that scheme throws into the mix the potential of 150 additional cars needing somewhere to park and just 18 spaces provided. The King Alfred scheme was another. That could have had over 700 extra cars looking for somewhere to park. Not against bold designs or new developments, just ill thought out ones.

Paul Elgood – We would reduce class sizes at secondary schools to 16 and primary schools to 20 – that would be a huge boost to local children and young people.

Paul Perrin – I would not pursue any one policy to the exclusion of others – there are many different groups and individuals in Hove and Portslade and they all have their own issues that deserve attention and consideration. However, the most common local issue I have been hearing about is the lack of access to a decent quality of education for many children (which happens to be something that I have experienced with my own children) addressing this would be high on my list of specific issues.

However, more generally, I would seek to put in place permanent and simple lines of communication between the electorate of Hove and Portslade and myself as their MP so I could work in partnership with the communities and keep current with their concerns (whether old or new) right the way through the next parliament – not just when the next election comes due!

Ian Davey – Whilst it is difficult to select one issue the impact of schooling runs throughout society and impacts upon us all. We need to have local school places for local children. Forcing children out of their locality fragments communities, increases traffic, increases inactivity and can be terribly upsetting for families. Providing good quality education is about investment in teaching and schools not about privatisation.

Brian Ralfe (Independent) – My number one policy would be to PUT THE HEART BACK IN TO HOVE, which this Government and Council have taken away.

**ENDS**

We’d like to thank all five for taking the time to answer these questions.

News From Brighton has also asked the candidates how they would deal with the issue of drug abuse in Brighton and Hove, while we’ll also be hearing from the Brighton Kemptown and Brighton Pavilion candidates before the election. Follow us on Twitter to receive alerts with regards to these features and all other Brighton and Hove news.

Related Posts:

• How Hove candidates will deal with drug abuse problem
• Residents urged to give views on Lewes Road proposals
• City bus services receive £3.5m funding boost
• Jason Kitcat to become new council leader
• Architects invited to bring forgotten area of Brighton back to life

Posted by Joseph Lewis on April 16, 2010. Filed under Brighton Politics,Celia Barlow,Conservatives,Green Party,Hove,Mike Weatherley,Paul Elgood,UKIP. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry