Election 2010: Brighton Pavilion candidates say why they deserve your vote

Following on from our feature covering the Hove constituency it is now time for the Brighton Pavilion candidates to enter the spotlight and explain why they are standing for election in Brighton and what they aim to do for the local area.

Brighton Pavilion is a hotly contested seat with significant national coverage focusing on the three strong female candidates. Caroline Lucas from the Green Party is the bookies’ favourite, but the challenge from the Conservatives’ Charlotte Vere and Labour’s Nancy Platts remains determined.

We hear below from Lucas, Vere and Platts, as well as the Liberal Democrat candidate Berni Millam and the lone standing male, Nigel Carter of UKIP.

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

Charlotte Vere (Conservatives) – Brighton & Hove is a vibrant and creative city and one that I have known for a long time. There is a great opportunity to turn the whole of the city blue at the next election which will mean that we can focus on jobs for local people and fighting for the resources we want for our public services.

Caroline Lucas (Green Party) – It would be a huge honour and privilege to serve as MP for Brighton Pavilion. If elected, I pledge to work tirelessly to put social and environmental justice at the top of the political agenda, and to be a strong and independent voice at Westminster. I’d strive both to serve the constituency, and to contribute to the renewal of politics and to the building of a fairer, more sustainable future. The first Green MP would have far more impact than one more Labour or one more Tory – and the best way to keep the Tories out is to vote Green.

Nancy Platts (Labour) – I’m not a professional politician. In fact I often think that politics is too important to be left to politicians. My primary desire is to bring about a new type of politics based in our communities. It’s amazing what happens when a few people come together and fight for change. I want to support that grassroots activity, roll my sleeves up and get my hands dirty. I back people power politics.

Berni Millam (Liberal Democrats) – In the past I have worked in Brighton, have friends who still work and live there as I don’t live too far away still spend a lot of time in Brighton Pavilion.

Nigel Carter (UKIP) – Desire to help.

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

Charlotte Vere (Conservatives) – I love the diversity, the passion, the challenge and the views.

Caroline Lucas (Green Party) – The people! They are lively, passionate, and have a great sense of community.

Nancy Platts (Labour) – Amazing pubs, brilliant people, the Brighton Festival, the sea, innovative and creative local businesses, great places to eat, so much tolerance for different lifestyles, fish and chips.

Berni Millam (Liberal Democrats) – Its diversity and its openness to new ideas.

Nigel Carter (UKIP) – Its diversity and energy. It’s unique. I am a great fan of Janis Joplin, who lived in bohemian California in the late ’60s and Brighton Pavilion near the sea has the same freewheelin’ feel.

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

Charlotte Vere (Conservatives) – I am new to politics – which I think makes me very different from at least two of my opponents. All three of the mainstream parties need fresh input and I am pleased to say that the Conservatives are leading the way. I have 20 years experience in being my own boss, employing people and working for charities – I think that is different – and I think it will enable me to work for and help the small business of Brighton and the people of the city.

Caroline Lucas (Green Party) – Experience and independence. I’ve spent 10 years representing my constituents in the European Parliament. I believe residents want more from their MP than someone who will simply follow the party whip rather than the wishes of local people. They know that when Greens are elected, they deliver, and that a Green vote is a vote for jobs, for fairness, for the environment and for Brighton.

Nancy Platts (Labour) – I live in Brighton, unlike my opponents, and I also want to go to Parliament to take up other people’s causes. I have my ideals: but what do you think? An MP is a representative; I want to crowd-source the things I fight for. Let me know what Westminster needs to know!

Berni Millam (Liberal Democrats) – I truly believe it is time for a radical overhaul of Parliament including greater representation therein from different sections of society and not just the usual mix of bankers, lawyers and that new breed of career politicians. As an ex nurse I have spent time with the general public, have got to understand their concerns and now > want to be the voice for the most vulnerable and neglected in society.

Nigel Carter (UKIP) - I’m wonderful, of course! What can I say! Actually Caroline, Charlotte and Nancy are wonderful too! I haven’t met the Lib Dem Berni so far.

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

Charlotte Vere (Conservatives) – I want to help people be their own boss. Unemployment is currently higher than at any time in the last 16 years and we have to help people get back to work – and I think we can. As someone who has set up businesses, I want to play a role in a Conservative government implement the policies that will help get people back to work.

Caroline Lucas (Green Party) – One policy only! That’s difficult! We’re prioritising job creation, opposition to public spending cuts, keeping the NHS public and introducing a non-means tested citizens’ pension of £170 per week.

Nancy Platts (Labour) – Housing. Brighton has a massive housing problem. We need more affordable housing and affordable needs to be actually affordable to ordinary, local people.

Berni Millam (Liberal Democrats) – 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.

Nigel Carter (UKIP) - Bright low-energy LED Lights in the entertainment zone to make revelers safer and by computer controlling produce dramatic moving light shows to attract more visitors and so protect employment.

**ENDS**

We’d like to thank all five for taking the time to answer these questions.
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• Comment: Winning with grace? Not from Green councillor
• Green Party now odds-on to win in Brighton Pavilion
• Who is standing in Brighton and Hove
• Caroline Lucas steps down as Green Party leader

Posted by Joseph Lewis on April 30, 2010. Filed under Brighton Politics,Conservatives,Labour,Liberal Democrats,UKIP. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry