General Election 2024: Meet the candidates of Christchurch
The A&T has invited all candidates in New Forest East, New Forest West and Christchurch constituencies to tell readers their views on local issues and why voters should put an X by their name on 4th July.
Here it’s the turn of Christchurch candidates.
Robin Adamson
REFORM UK
THERE are many local issues that have been put to me over recent months: policing, security, housing, homelessness, etc. These are also central government issues.
Keeping to genuinely local issues, there are a few that people commonly raise with me that I would be happy supporting.
Question: Would I support a demerger from BCP? I would certainly investigate that possibility. BCP has saddled the people of Christchurch with an equal share of the £770 million of debt run up over the few short years of its existence. The Liberal Democrats after a year in power have no clue where this money has gone, or how much they can get back. The debt costs £38 million in interest a year so it is no wonder BCP has a £50 million annual black hole in its finances.
Christchurch as an independent council had an excellent record of positive financial management and there is a sound argument for it to return to an independent local authority in the light of how a larger BCP has mismanaged our finances.
Potholes are high on people’s agenda. BCP continues to spend tens of millions on new cycle lanes and just a few million on road repairs and has stated it is going to stick to its Local Transport Plan no matter what. BCP is responsible for 770 miles of roads, every one open to cyclists; roads are cycle lanes. BCP says it has no money which is strictly not true, it has money but refuses to spend it on what is needed today, preferring to spend it on its net zero-based 15-year LTP.
Other issues people raise: increases in car parking charges; 20mph speed limits, proliferation of speed cameras, BCP accepting more migrants and asylum seekers in exchange for central government grants.
Real change locally means changing direction, putting things on pause, and doing what is needed when it is needed. My objective as an elected MP will be to promote the adaptability of councils making all local authorities put local needs first.
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Sir Christopher Chope
CONSERVATIVE
ONE of the most important aspects of my work as Christchurch’s MP for over 25 years is using the national platform of Westminster to change and influence events locally. Putting pressure on the Competition and Markets Authority to intervene in the merger of The Royal Bournemouth and Poole Hospitals helped ensure that the new accident and emergency unit is located in Bournemouth rather than Poole. The government’s intervention to prevent BCP Council’s sale and leaseback of beach huts to a controlled company was triggered by my whistleblowing.
I am currently heavily engaged in trying to retain GP services in Burton by organising opposition to the planning application for change of use to the medical centre. For many months I have been discussing this with Dorset NHS. Another GP practice is willing to buy the medical centre and accept existing patients. The owners are proposing instead to sell to a veterinary practice. A successful campaign will enable another local doctor to take over and thereby preserve this important community asset.
Another unresolved hot topic is trying to remove the disproportionate ban on all local housebuilding caused by Natural England’s desire to reduce phosphates in the River Avon. Despite the welcome decision to upgrade the Stony Lane wastewater treatment plant by 2030 development on important brownfield sites in Christchurch, such as the former gas works and the former police station, is still not possible.
Since the last General Election I have been very active in Parliament asking 793 Parliamentary questions and contributing to House of Commons debates more than 750 times. Many questions focused on the needs of individual constituents ranging from victims of Covid-19 vaccine damage or contaminated blood to those who have suffered administrative injustice or bureaucratic delays.
Despite six out of every 10 people in Christchurch and East Dorset having voted to leave the European Union, the most important benefits of controlling our own borders and reducing immigration are yet to be realised. That is why I am campaigning for the UK to leave the European Court of Human Rights and be accountable for our own human rights policies.
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Mike Cox
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
OUR next MP must work hard to get a fair deal for local residents in Christchurch and East Dorset. These issues include:
• Improving our health services after years of under investment and mismanagement.
• Fighting against the sewage being dumped in our rivers and seas
• Investing in our local communities such as youth and sport facilities as well as supporting local councils with the crisis in special educational needs
I live in Hurn with my wife, Fiona, and two cats. We have four children, two of whom were married at the Christchurch Priory, and four grandchildren.
I have:
• Acted as a school and college governor for 25 years
• Served as a local government councillor for 13 years
• Worked for several local charities including Age Concern and Ukraine Relief Aid
I am a chartered accountant who set up his own business. As portfolio holder for finance I have led BCP balancing a £44 million budget gap, pioneered the purchase of Waitrose car park to provide free local parking and stood up for local community organisations wanting to invest.
So… why Vote Mike Cox?
• I will work hard to put billions into our NHS and schools and show how to pay for it.
• I will demand that sewage is stopped being pumped into our rivers and seas
• I will expand mental health care and protect our adult social care.
Liberal Democrats demand a fair deal for Britain. We want a Britain which is open, tolerant and back at the heart of Europe.
In the last election I came second to the Conservative. Only I can beat him on 4th July.
On election day you will have a choice between more of the same with the Conservative or real change with Mike Cox – a vocal champion for Christchurch and East Dorset.
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Susan Graham
GREEN
“DORSET is under threat” were the words of the chief executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust at our recent meeting.
Not only Dorset but all of us are under threat from an unprecedented decline in habitats and species, driven by climate change and environmental degradation. This is an ecological emergency and the next 10 years are crucial. The UK is already one of the world´s most nature-depleted countries. The Green Party is committed to turning this around, but all parties must work together to address the crisis.
Climate, nature and social and economic wellbeing go hand-in-hand. I advocate:
1. Working towards net zero carbon with urgency by investing in clean energy to create jobs and promote UK innovation on the world stage.
2. Clean rivers, lakes and seas. Less than 15% of Dorset’s rivers are in good ecological condition, while sewage flows into the sea at our beautiful beaches.
3. Ensuring that 30% of all land and sea management favours nature by 2030. Currently only 8% of Dorset´s land is legally protected for wildlife. We must restore locally extinct species and save those on the brink.
4. Making our towns and cities resilient to climate change impacts such as flooding, which is a huge concern for Christchurch.
All of the above is possible, with political will and sensible policies. Protecting the environment promotes public health and boosts our economy, thereby enabling the restoration of our beleaguered public services which have been strained to breaking point by fourteen years of austerity.
I am a retired teacher with an MSc in earth science. I wrote my thesis on the environmental and societal consequences of climate change. The Tory government does not listen to climate change experts. The 2023 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report concluded that we must not extract one more drop of fossil fuel if we are to avoid the very worst consequences of climate change. Instead, Rishi Sunak granted 100 new North Sea oil and gas licences. Reform are worse, Labour and the Liberal Democrats lacklustre.
On 4th July, vote Green for a safer, healthier, happier future.
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Joanna Howard
LABOUR
I’M proud to be your Labour candidate for Christchurch and East Dorset.
This is a fantastic area, but 14 years of neglect by Conservative governments and the cost-of-living crisis is taking a very real toll.
As a mother I have personally experienced delays in NHS referrals and appointments. I have called countless dental practices trying to find an NHS dentist. I’m saddened to see our high streets in decline. I’m angry that sewage continues to be pumped into our rivers and seas. I have heard countless stories of crime in our communities, even targeting our school buildings.
I want to fight for a better Christchurch and East Dorset where public services are no longer in crisis, schools don’t worry about chronic underfunding, people have well-paid and secure jobs, we all feel safe to enjoy everything the community has to offer and our environment is protected for all who live here now, and future generations.
I’m not a career politician, I’ve worked since I was 15. I’m now a lawyer working in public law and professional discipline. Fundamental to me is honesty and integrity. Labour has learned the lessons of the past and takes seriously the essential tests of trust – trust with public money and trust with national security.
I am backing Labour’s plan to:
• Give every child the best start in life by recruiting 6,500 new teachers, introduce free breakfast clubs in every primary school and invest in mental health and children services
• Deliver economic stability and keep taxes, inflation and mortgages as low as possible
• Cut NHS waiting times
• Launch a new border security command to stop criminal gangs and strengthen our borders
• Set up Great British Energy to cut bills for good
• Crack down on anti-social behaviour, with more neighbourhood police and a new network of youth hubs
In addition, as your MP, I will also urgently push for the implementation of robust plans to stop sewage polluting our rivers and seas.
This is a once-in-a-generation election. Together we can build a brighter future for Christchurch and East Dorset.
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Sasha Jolliffe
ANIMAL WELFARE
ORIGINALLY from Kazakhstan, I relocated to the UK after international travel while working in hospitality and have called Bournemouth home for nearly 25 years, drawn by its stunning nature. Raised in a diverse household and holding degrees in psychology, arts, and politics, my passion for activism and a fairer, sustainable world has only grown.
I understand our community’s urgent challenges and believe the Animal Welfare Party’s policies will have a positive impact. I’m proud to represent the party in this constituency for the first time.
Like many, I’m deeply concerned about the climate and biodiversity crises, and our party prioritises these in all political decisions. I’ll advocate for plant-based diets to enhance human and planetary health and cut NHS costs. Ending harmful farming and fishing practices is central to our vision.
Traffic congestion in our area is among the worst nationally, with transport contributing 33% of emissions in BCP. Our party plans to improve public transport and promote sustainable travel.
Water pollution from farmed animal waste and sewage affects rivers flowing into Christchurch harbour, impacting health and wildlife. We’ll end harmful agricultural practices, enhance waste management, protect wildlife, and combat wildlife crime.
Companion animals need better protection. We advocate for compulsory licensing, stricter breeding regulations, and increased penalties for abuse. We also call for an end to the sale of animals in store and online and ending the exotic pet trade.
Because ending animal testing is a priority, we’ll properly fund non-animal methods. We also call for an end to the badger cull, commercial racing of horses and dogs, and for a stronger fox-hunting ban.
AWP promotes policies that benefit humans, animals, and the planet, recognising animal rights and addressing speciesism. We’re part of a fast-growing international movement, and I hope Christchurch voters will support a candidate dedicated to all inhabitants – human and non-human.
On July 4th, a vote for AWP ensures a compassionate, sustainable, and prosperous future for Christchurch and the New Forest areas.
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Simon McCormack
INDEPENDENT
AS we approach the upcoming election, I am honoured to stand as an independent candidate to become the Member of Parliament for Christchurch. Our community deserves strong, dedicated, transparent and present democratic representation, and I am committed to being that representative for you. Here are some reasons why you should vote for me:
I am a loyal campaigner opposing the merger with Bournemouth and Poole. With 84% of Christchurch indicating they did not want to join Bournemouth and Poole, the merger shouldn’t have gone ahead. This was a direct attack on democracy, and I now feel it is my duty to give the electorate in Christchurch the opportunity to vote for someone who truly opposed the merger.
For many years I have held the belief that the constant arguing between the two main parties has cause significant instability in central government. As an independent I am free from this sort of pettiness and will commit myself to putting the residents first.
As an independent I do not have a whip. This will give me the freedom to vote for what’s best for our town and not what’s best for any political party.
I have lived and worked in the town for my whole life. I am not an outsider who has been brought in for a campaign, like so many of the other parties have done.
For the past four-and-a-half years I have dedicated myself to representing the town as local councillor where I have concentrated on issues that affect residents. A lot of this casework directly relates to housing and the cost-of-living crisis, which I feel is the result of the past 40 years of poor decision-making by central government.
Christchurch is a community with immense potential, and together we can build a brighter, more prosperous future. I ask for your vote to be your next member of parliament, to work with you and for you, independently, ensuring that our beloved Christchurch continues to flourish.
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Trevor Parsons
SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC
IN the upcoming general election, Christchurch faces a crucial decision. By voting for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), you are choosing a future that prioritises national interests and the wellbeing of our communities. The SDP’s top policy commitments offer real and meaningful solutions to the issues facing our nation.
Nationalising railways and household utilities is a cornerstone of the SDP’s agenda. The privatisation of these essential services has led to declining standards and profits being siphoned off to foreign owners. Under SDP leadership, railways and utilities will be brought back into public ownership, ensuring they serve the needs of British citizens.
Mass immigration has strained our social fabric and undermined wage growth. Instead of relying on imported labour, SDP advocates for investing in the training and development of our own young people. Ending mass immigration will foster a safer, more cohesive society and provide opportunities for British workers.
The decline of British industry has resulted in significant trade deficits and economic vulnerabilities. The SDP is committed to revitalising our manufacturing sector through robust industrial, energy, and skills training programmes. By implementing trade policies that protect and promote British industry, the SDP will secure well-paid jobs and ensure economic stability.
The traditional family is the bedrock of society, yet it has been overlooked in recent policy-making. The SDP recognises the importance of supporting family life through comprehensive welfare, education, housing, tax and economic policies. Strengthening the family unit will lead to a happier, more prosperous and safer society.
Healthcare also stands to benefit from SDP reforms. While maintaining a reformed NHS free at the point of need, the SDP plans to establish a ‘National Care Service’ to provide comprehensive, high-quality social care across the country.
Lastly, addressing the housing crisis is imperative. The SDP will spearhead large-scale state sector building projects to provide over one million new homes, ensuring every citizen has access to affordable housing and giving young people the opportunity to start families.
A vote for me is a vote for a brighter, more secure future. Choose the SDP and support policies that put Britain and its people first.
• Mr Parsons preferred not to supply a picture
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Steve Unwin
UKIP
I HAVE lived in Dorset with my wife Jane for 30 years. I am the UK Independence Party (Ukip) spokesman for home affairs, political reform and local government.
This country is being led in the wrong direction. Our economy is faltering due to crippling ‘net zero’ costs, our NHS is crumbling, we have no borders to speak of and our armed forces are not supported by our political leaders.
Enough with this managed decline. Enough with encouraging immigration before encouraging the growth of UK families. Enough with diverting our farmers from the essential production of wholesome food to land management and environment.
Unless we reverse all this, we’ll have no future.
But why Ukip? Our campaign for UK independence did NOT end with leaving the EU and is more pertinent than ever. We need to leave all other overbearing international agreements that prevent us being a self-governing, proud, democratic nation. The ECHR, for instance, elevates the rights of foreign criminals over law-abiding Brits, and makes it impossible to police our borders.
We need UK independence of energy security, using UK resources for a combination of coal, natural and shale gas, along with nuclear-powered electricity generation.
We need UK independence of food supply – bringing all our farmland into food production, rejecting misuse of prime agricultural land for “rewilding” or hosting electricity generating equipment.
The Tory push for ‘unitary’ authorities has removed ‘local’ from local government, under the guise of reducing council tax. Tax never reduced, as bureaucracy became more remote and costly. BCP Bouncil was a property development power-grab by Bournemouth and Poole. Christchurch (and East Dorset) are already over-developed.
We have a major housing cost problem in Christchurch and throughout Dorset and Hampshire. The main factor behind this is a housing demand problem – we have more than one migrant every minute (365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 60 minutes an hour) without building the equivalent required extra housing. Yet this ignores and exacerbates the issue the UK government should address: unaffordable housing for those who were born and struggle to live here.
Charity begins at home.