The General Election has been called for the 4th of July and here in Waveney Valley, this election is going to be a three-way fight between myself, the Labour Party, and The Green Party. I was born and raised locally, I have represented my constituents in Suffolk on the County Council and now I hope to do the same for both the Norfolk and Suffolk residents of Waveney Valley, and these are my commitments to you.
Supporting Business & The High Street
My campaign to get banking hubs in our towns has one huge support, and the loss of cash banking facilities is making life harder for local people businesses and charities. I am committed to campaigning for the return of banking to our high street, and as a firm supporter of independent businesses, I also want to see business rate reform to give more local flexibility and allow the High Street and rural businesses to better compete with large online companies.
Backing British Farmers & The Countryside
I have been very clear that backing farmers in Waveney Valley starts by listening to them, trusting them and recognising their key role in the wider economy. I will always fight to ensure new trace deals do not undermine British produce, that decisions are made on evidence, not emotion, that the sector gets the workforce flexibility it needs, and that environmental initiatives enable both nature recovery and the production of high-quality food.
Protecting Communities From Big Energy Projects
Since 2021, I have led much of the opposition to the Norwich to Tilbury pylons. Our work has led to key evidence in the call for the pausing of the project, while offshore alternatives are explored, and the recognition of the Waveney Valley as a valued landscape. I have also played a role in shaping protection for our most valuable farmland from large swathes of solar covering our fields. Pylon campaigners like Christine Murton, have endorsed my campaign to be the Waveney Valley’s first MP.
Protecting & Enhancing Our Natural Environment
I am deeply committed to our natural environment, and have led on this area in my work over several years. I have led on tree planting initiatives as well as schemes to improve flood resilience and initiatives to reduce heating bills, ensuring that people remain warmer during winter. Since I was selected as the candidate For Waveney Valley, I have been working hard to ensure that Ofwat and the water companies are held to account for the state of our waterways. I also helped to lead on the Norfolk & Suffolk Nature Recovery Strategy.
Access To NHS & Dentistry Services
Over the last few months, I have met with both current and former NHS staff to discuss our plans to reduce the waiting lists and improve access to GP appointments and NHS dentistry. I have also been speaking with local communities about the difficulties that some local people face in getting to the nearest hospital, especially in places like Halesworth. If I am elected, I will push for the best possible public transport links to local hospitals, and ensure that new training facilities in Norwich & Ipswich will bring more people into dentistry in Norfolk & Suffolk.
Improving Road Conditions & Transport Links
The number one local issue that was identified in my Big Waveney Valley Survey, was the state of our roads. I am determined to see additional investment in our roads put to good use, and I have been speaking to local communities about how we can work together to get new public transport links that work for everyone. Norfolk and Suffolk have been allocated nearly £250 million to improve.
