As your parliamentary candidate, I will make it my mission to:
Attract good quality jobs to the town – the closure of Honda last year saw the loss of 3,000 well-paid
jobs. Just as Swindon was at the heart of the railways in the 19th century, we should be at the heart
of the transition to net-zero in the 21st – tackling climate change and creating secure livelihoods for
all.
Ensure, as Swindon continues to grow, we have the social services and public transport we need, so
everyone can live together in safety and health.
Work with business to rejuvenate the town centre and bring heritage assets back into use – the
Mechanics’ Institute and the Locarno have been left to languish for too long, as have the buildings
left empty by the departure of Debenhams and House of Fraser.
Build genuinely affordable homes, including new council houses, to help correct a housing market
that only really works well for landlords and those at the top.
Deliver a Labour council – the Conservative-led borough council is incapable of getting the basics
right. The closure of leisure centres and museums is shameful. We need to sort out the
Conservatives’ mess at the Oasis, ensure cultural facilities are there for everyone and deliver value
for money.
Make the case for a university in Swindon. We are the largest town in the UK not to have its
university – let’s change that and give young people new opportunities.