During the general election we interviewed local pro-Brexit
candidates. Following on from this we asked
the candidates how they found the election and for any thoughts they had from
the campaign.
Below is the update written by Councillor Mario Creatura the Conservative Party candidate for Croydon Central. Mario’s original interview is available here.
In December 2018 I was lucky enough to be chosen to be the Conservative candidate for Croydon Central. At the election on 12th December, 21,175 people in my hometown chose to put their faith in me – I am sorry that it was not enough, but I will be forever grateful to every one of them.
It’s been an incredible year. Over the campaign my team and I have spoken to many thousands and ran a positive, energetic campaign. We highlighted vital local issues, like Labour’s plans to build on the green belt and their wanton destruction of community identities, as well as fighting to respect the result of the Brexit referendum and shining a spotlight on Labour’s illiterate economic policies. I am truly proud of the way my party behaved during the campaign.
Across the UK so many unbelievably talented Conservative friends have been elected – particularly those from blue collar backgrounds breaking through the so-called ‘red wall’ in the Midlands and the North of England. Our Parliament is lucky to have each and every one of them. It was the greatest result for the Conservatives since 1983, and the worst performance by Labour since 1935. We now have five years of stable national government, one that means we can finally get Brexit done and move on with our lives.
“Chris Philp’s majority went up in Croydon South, a testament to his incredible work ethic and stamina. Steve Reed’s majority was slashed by a massive 8,000 votes. The start of a worrying trend for Labour in London?”
In Croydon, it’s well worth looking at the results of the two ‘safe seats’. Chris Philp’s majority went up in Croydon South, a testament to his incredible work ethic and stamina. Steve Reed’s majority was slashed by a massive 8,000 votes. The start of a worrying trend for Labour in London? If I were Croydon Labour, I would be very concerned about what this means on a local level for the 2022 Council elections.
For every candidate standing for election there are dozens, if not hundreds of passionate party volunteers helping our democracy to function. Every leaflet delivered, every street pounded and door knocked – it’s a huge team effort and they are all doing it out of love for their party, community and country. It takes a lot, particularly in the cold winter months, to forgo spending time with your loved ones and to instead pull on a waterproof and try to campaign in an election. I’m grateful to each and every one of them.
“There are 81,000 electors in Croydon Central alone – so it takes years to get around everyone once, which is why it feels like you only see us at election time”
One thing all political campaigners will hear on the doorsteps repeated time and time and again: “we only see you out at election time”. It’s one of the most frustrating things to be accused of – of not caring about our community enough to be out all the time, not least because it’s just not true! There are some 47,000 properties in Croydon Central. If a single volunteer can knock on 100 doors in a given canvassing session, around 2/3s of people will be out. Which means each activist might get to speak to 30 people a week. There are 81,000 electors in Croydon Central alone – so it takes years to get around everyone once, which is why it feels like you only see us at election time.
So here’s my plea to everyone reading this: if you are upset by the result of the election in Croydon, if you want to get Labour out of Croydon Town Hall in 2022, then don’t sit at home complaining – get involved with the Croydon Conservatives and help us do something about it. We need good people to stand to be local councillors. We need talented locals to help us build a machine to take the fight to Labour over the next few years. We need bright, passionate members of our community to get stuck in any number of different roles and activities.
If you would like to find out more, then get in touch by emailing [email protected] and I’d be happy to meet to explain more about what it might involved – there’s something for everyone!
Croydon is my home town. It’s where I was born and where I live with my wife. I’m still a serving councillor and I’m not going anywhere. Croydon has so much potential just waiting to be unleashed – get in touch and let’s make it happen!
Always keen to support people in Croydon prepared to support democracy and
Brexit. The Croydon Constitutionalists spoke with Croydon South Conservative
Chris Philp.
He first became the MP for Croydon South in the May 2015 election. Chris has also served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Parliamentary Under Secretary for the Ministry of Justice.
I spent 15 years setting up and running my own businesses before being first
elected in 2015. I was used to making decisions and getting things done quickly. I thought we had too many career politicians
in Parliament and I wanted to see
more people there with real-world experience who can get things done. So I decided to run myself – first, as a local councillor and
then for Parliament. MPs are able to make changes that impact the day to day lives
of people throughout the United Kingdom and also help those who need it most in
our society. But to achieve this, you need to be able to get things
done.
You first ran for parliament against Glenda Jackson CBE in Hampstead and Kilburn any memories from that campaign?
The result in Hampstead was one of the closest
election results in the country in 2010. I lost by just 42 votes,
despite pretty much doubling the Conservative vote (accounting for boundary
changes). Having lost by 42 votes, I’ve been
trying hard to forget that election ever since…
“I remember going to Panto at the Fairfield Halls when I was growing up. I also remember using the 119 bus a lot and I remember sitting the Trinity entrance exam”
You grew up in West Wickham, what are your
memories of neighbouring Croydon from then?
I remember going to Panto at the Fairfield Halls
when I was growing up. I also remember using the 119 bus a lot and I remember
sitting the Trinity entrance exam some time during the winter of 1986/7. I did
not get a full scholarship which my parents were hoping for, so went to a
Grammar School in a neighbouring Borough instead.
You campaigned for Remain in the referendum and your father has stood for UKIP. Can we ask how were relations at the Philp family Christmas?
There were some robust discussions, but in the end I believe in democracy
and the Leave side won. So we must
respect that result and get on with implementing it.
What are your hopes for Brexit now?
I believe that it is important to ensure that we
deliver on the result of the 2016 referendum. The revised deal Boris has
negotiated respects the referendum result, and also protects trade. We need to
pass that as quickly as possible. The uncertainty has gone on for too long and
we need to implement the referendum and all move on.
“Croydon’s Labour Council has shown that it has no interest in working for those in the South of the Borough… no regard for our already strained infrastructure or the character of our area”
What do you think are the big issues in Croydon
Politics?
Croydon’s Labour Council has shown that it has no interest in working for those in the South of the Borough by the way in which it approves virtually every planning application put before the committee, with no regard for our already strained infrastructure or the character of our area. This is also why I am supporting the campaign for a Directly Elected Mayor of Croydon, who would then have to listen to the whole Borough in order to get (re)elected.
If returned to parliament what priorities would
you like to take forward?
The NHS is a huge priority. We have just had a brand new A&E at Croydon
Hospital (Mayday) and Purley Hospital Minor Injuries Unit / GP Hub opens in the
morning 365 days a year, following a successful campaign I ran with residents.
I want as many as possible of the 50,000 extra nurses and 6,000 GPs to come to
Croydon. I fully support the 20,000 extra Police, and also want as many of
these as possible to come to Croydon – I estimate that over 100 will. I will
also campaign to end the persecution of Christians in many countries around the
world, and to get more funding for Croydon schools – we are getting a huge 7%
increase next year alone.
“The choice in all three Croydon seats is between the Conservatives and a Labour party that has been taken over by Marxists”
Any other thoughts you want to leave us with?
This election is the most important in a generation. We need to end the Brexit uncertainty by delivering on the referendum result as fast as possible. Labour and the Lib Dems (and a small number of former Conservatives) have been delaying us too long now. The choice in all three Croydon seats is between the Conservatives and a Labour party that has been taken over by Marxists. A vote for any other party – Brexit Party, Lib Dems, UKIP, Green – risks letting Corbyn and McDonnell into power. Only the Conservatives can stop him. I also hope my record as an active, energetic and above all effective local MP speaks for itself.
Always keen to support people in Croydon prepared to support democracy and
Brexit. The Croydon Constitutionalists spoke with Donald Ekekhomen, the
Conservative Party Candidate for Croydon North.
On Donald’s twitter account he describes himself as a Conservative, Pharmacist, Entrepreneur.
Christian, keen on positive community action, and a Crystal Palace fan.
He stood in Waddon for the Conservatives in the 2018 local elections in what
was widely recognised as a hard fought campaign.
Croydon North is currently held by anti-democracy MP Steve Reed OBE.
Donald thank-you for your time.
What led
to you being picked as the candidate for Croydon North?
After the disappointment of the last local elections, it’s terrible to see the devastation that Croydon’s Labour Council continues to do to our local communities. At the same time, there is the increase in stabbings in Croydon that’s very worrying. Everyone I talk to in church, work or at football are always talking about this. It’s causing a lot of uneasiness in the community with parents afraid for their teenage children. That prompted me to avail myself of the rigorous screening process to be the Conservative candidate for Croydon North.
“to someone who has lived through an authoritarian regime, that was exceptional by the MP and his office. It simply says the MP is concerned about the welfare of his constituents and cares enough to help them fulfil their aspirations”
What
first got you into politics.
I am an immigrant who came to the UK to study and got a job on
completion of my studies to provide NHS pharmaceutical services as a
pharmacist. As one who works in a lot of pharmacies as a locum in and around
Croydon, I get to participate in conversations about governance, taxes etc. In
one of these conversations, a pharmacy owner explained to me activities that
led her to open her pharmacy. She said that she was able to get the local MP at
the time to help officially open the premises. Now that might seem normal but to someone who
has lived through an authoritarian regime, that was exceptional by the MP and
his office. It simply says the MP is concerned about the welfare of his
constituents and cares enough to help them fulfil their aspirations. That MP
was Gavin Barwell; the erstwhile Conservative MP for Croydon Central.
In my job and through voluntary activities, it is clear that there are lots of issues facing local people; education, school expulsion, NHS, housing, immigration, crime, jobs etc and I believe being part of a political party will help me try to resolve these issues by enacting laws and lobbying government in order to make a difference to the lives of these people and more.
“Having them believe that someone is there to help when they are challenged is a very powerful statement of confidence in our community and abilities”
Any story
from Waddon or other campaign trails that have stuck in your memory?
While on the campaign trail, a lot of things really excited me, gave me a buzz. People are deeply concerned about their local environment and are willing to do what they can to protect it. However, a particular incident remains in my memory: during our campaign there was an old church hall that already had a planning application submitted to convert it to blocks of residential flats. However, this old church had provided valuable service to the community as it is used as a nursery space for young children and on weekends, used as a place for meetings and parties/celebrations for locals. It forms the nucleus of the community and also retains the old architecture which celebrates the history of the place and in consonance with other buildings in the area. When I went canvassing in the area, it was the most important issue for residents but they needed help and advice on how to oppose it. We sprung to action and helped the residents oppose the planning application using dexterity and with the knowledge of how to do this. Eventually, this was stopped and the building was saved. The joy on the faces of the residents when we went back was a sight to behold. I felt happy to have been a part of this process: making people smile, happy and comfortable in their local environment. Having them believe that someone is there to help when they are challenged is a very powerful statement of confidence in our community and abilities.
What is
your favourite Crystal Palace memory?
I love sports especially football and know it is an important part of keeping our physical and mental health in the best shape especially now with how fast and complex our lives are. It is a tool for creating firm structure for young people to learn about discipline, respect and teamwork while improving their social skills, friendships and broadening their aspirations.
The FA cup final in 2016 is one I still think about today. The run to the final was exceptional and the team did this with real determination while scraping through some games. I felt that was a given and that gut feeling was consolidated when Jason Puncheon scored the first goal in the final. That was the most delirious I have ever been!!!
It was disappointing the team lost eventually but they showed
really courage; working together, challenging every ball and giving it their
all. I was very proud of the boys!!
Crystal Palace football club is involved in a lot of wonderful local projects for poor communities which help disadvantaged locals to get on in life. Some of these partnerships I am involved with as a trustee. This off the field activity is awesome.
What are
your thoughts on Croydon politics?
Croydon politics is in a terrible state currently. Where do
I start!
We have a group of Labour Party councillors running the council and not delivering on their last local election promises. The Labour council do not collect bins weekly as promised, they do not listen to residents’ complaints but rather make it difficult for residents to pass on their legitimate concerns. Council chamber question time is fraught with verbose replies, residents only have 30 minutes to ask questions during full council meetings that sit just a few times in the year!!! How is that listening to the residents?
This is your first time as a parliamentary candidate, has anything come as a surprise from making that step?
I always expected it to be intense, changing its course almost every other day with changing campaign priorities. However, the amount of energy needed to keep on the campaign trail and answer emails from a lot of people who expect responses very quickly, has been enormous. Regardless, I am enjoying every bit of it especially meeting people on their doorsteps and talking to them about their concerns and priorities.
“The current system of offenders getting up to five suspended sentences could be too lenient and doesn’t feel like justice for the victims of crime”
If you
introduce or repeal three laws (other than Brexit), what would they be?
Reducing the number of suspended sentences given to people
who commit serious crime to three and increasing the length of their stay in
prison. I would go further to make serious offenders serve three quarters of
their term before they are due for parole. The current system of offenders
getting up to five suspended sentences could be too lenient and doesn’t feel
like justice for the victims of crime. The Conservative government is investing
in the prison services to train, educate and give ex-offenders the skills
needed to be more productive in the wider society which is the duty of any
responsible government.
More investment in schools in line with inflation to help recruit
and train more teachers. Teachers that
will spend more time with disruptive youngsters and help improve their chances
at learning to attain a degree at university, get into apprenticeships or learn
other job skillsets. This will help to reduce exclusions, foster cohesion and
improve life chances of disadvantaged young people. On the societal scale it will help reduce
crime, help with social mobility and improve positive community participation.
Currently, the Government has promised increased funding per pupil in schools
and has been doing that for over 10 years, incrementally. This is an indication
that it is taking it seriously but much more will be greatly appreciated.
The Help to Buy scheme has seen record numbers of people and young families being able to afford a home. I want to see such schemes encouraged further and expanded to help a lot more people get onto the property ladder.
Any other thoughts you want to leave us with?
The UK is currently the second best country in Europe for business start-ups. I would want the current government fund provision for tech start-ups to continue into the post Brexit years ahead. It is vital that we encourage people with digital intelligence to continue to contribute to the digital space and create the next Facebook, Google or Amazon of this world.
Jayde was a candidate in 2018 in Broad Green for the Conservatives and has appeared on the Victoria Derbyshire show, supporting the party. Jayde is a member of the Spacnation church which as prevailed her to be a voice in her community and use her passion in politics to make a change.
Always keen to speak to people in Croydon who support Brexit, because we voted to leave and they support and respect democracy. The Croydon Constitutionalists spoke to Jayde Edwards the Conservative Party Candidate for the Council by-election in Fairfield Ward.
Jayde thanks for your time.
This is your second time standing what should we know
about you as potentially Croydon’s next councillor?
From a very young age I have been extremely passionate, talking about the issues that most affect young people. I was brought up in a broken home, my dad left when I was 12 years old and my mum suffered with mental health for the majority of my life. This really pushed me to be vocal about changing not only my life but the lives around me.
In
2015 aged 15 I gave birth to a baby boy which was extremely difficult whilst
living in Croydon and moving to about 8 different houses. I was constantly consumed with so many issues
that I just wanted to change and be able to protect those around me.
“I knocked on a door and a women in her mid 30s answered the door, we spoke for about an hour about the issues she is facing in her area. What inspired me the most is that she said “Never stop pushing in politics, because we need you”
Broad Green is a tough spot for a Conservative candidate.
Any stories from this or previous campaign trails that have stuck in your
memory?
Broad Green will always be a place that I am extremely passionate about because I lived there in temporary accommodation with my son. It was a small room with only a bed, table and TV. I understand the struggles that people living within the ward face, hence why I was so passionate about standing although I knew it was almost impossible. My heart is still in Broad Green and I will always do everything in my power to create a positive change in the area.
A
really good experience whilst I was knocking on a door in Broad Green, was canvassing, I knocked on a door and a
women in her mid 30s answered the door, we spoke for about an hour about the
issues she is facing in her area. What inspired me the most is that she said “Never
stop pushing in politics, because we need you”.
Fairfield ward is changing rapidly what do you think are
the key issues in the ward?
I am extremely honoured to be selected to stand in Fairfield and I agree that there are so many things changing in Fairfield. The main issues I would say are: – Westfield and the promise that was given to residents. – Knife crime and the lack of opportunities.
“want to inspire young people, I also want to bring something new to Croydon – a new passion and a new energy”
What are your thoughts more broadly on Croydon Politics?
I
have always been interested in Croydon Politics because I have lived here since
I was 12. I do believe more young people need to get more involved in politics,
but also more young people need to understand what politics means and how local
politics can actually affect them. I think that is partly why I am standing as
a candidate – I want to inspire young people, I also want to bring something
new to Croydon – a new passion and a new energy.
There’s a new campaign for a Democratically Elected Mayor
of Croydon. What are your thoughts on this proposed change to the way Croydon
is governed?
I
think a council run by the Conservatives is the best way forward! I do like that we have the opportunity to campaign
for an elected mayor and I would love to see more young people going for these
opportunities.
Although you’re running for council the issue of the day is Brexit. What are your thoughts on the subject that divides Britain?
The main focus for me right now is the local issues in Croydon and how I can gain the trust of the residents in Fairfield. Although Brexit is important and I trust the government will ensure Britain is protected. I choose focus on the local issues and how I can help change Fairfield.
Always keen to support people in Croydon prepared to support Brexit. The Croydon Constitutionalists spoke to Councillor Mario Creatura, the Conservative Party Candidate for Croydon Central.
Mario will be well known to many of our followers as a local Councillor and campaigner. He worked for Gavin Barwell when he was an MP, global beer company Heineken and in 10 Downing Street running social media for Theresa May. He now works in communications for Virgin Money UK.
Mario thanks for your time.
What
don’t we know about you that has led you to be the PPC in Croydon Central?
I’ve lived in Croydon all my life. I was born in Mayday
Hospital and went to nursery at Tollgate in Shirley; attended St Thomas Becket
Primary in South Norwood; checked my first books out of Ashburton Library and
learnt to ride my bike in Bingham Park.
My first job was in the town centre; first flat just off the
historic Surrey Street Market and last year, with my wife Amy, we moved into
our first home together in Park Hill.
Croydon isn’t just some rung on the political career ladder
for me – it’s been my home for over 30 years. I want my community to thrive and
that’s not been happening in recent years.
I truly believe that it’s only when our community comes
together that we can tackle the complex issues facing our town – to create an
environment that promotes aspiration and helps our town thrive. That’s why I’m
running to be our next Member of Parliament: to work with everyone to help
Croydon be the best it can be.
What
first got you involved in politics?
Growing up in Croydon I wasn’t
really concerned about politics, and neither were my family. My dad still gets
up at 4am to go to work, and when I was a kid mum would work nights in
Woolworths in the town centre.
I went to a great state school in
South Norwood, worked hard and became the first in my family to make it to
university. It wasn’t easy; I didn’t know anyone else that had been. Thankfully
with the help of a bursary and an incredibly supportive family I graduated, and
it’s no exaggeration to say that it truly transformed my life.
I met people who became lifelong
friends. Some of them were interested in politics, and over many a beer it was
at university that my interest in politics was kindled.
I graduated in 2009 and came back to
Croydon just before the 2010 General Election. While I was away my mum had
become a Teaching Assistant at my old school and my dad had started refereeing
and coaching the local little league. They had started to get fully involved in
the community, rolling their sleeves up and helping out. I saw the difference
they made, and how much of an impact they were both making in our local area.
That’s when I started thinking about
local politics. I have always thought that if you want to help your community
then the best way is by getting involved. It doesn’t matter what it is – but the
best way to make a difference is to get stuck in.
That’s also why I started getting
involved in the local Conservative party. Politics can be a force for good, a
place where people debate ideas and work to make our local area better. I
wanted to be a part of that effort, so I took my own advice and got involved!
Any
stories from previous campaign trails that have stuck in your memory?
I first ran for election in Selhurst
ward. One weekday evening I was out knocking on doors on the Selhurst Road,
working to find out about the issues and concerns facing the local residents.
In one of the houses was a lady who
was clearly getting ready to go out for the night. She had a towel around her
hair and was in a dressing gown – she was clearly in no mood for talking to a
councillor candidate. She told me, as anticipated, that she was in the middle
of something and had no time to talk – but in any case that there was
absolutely no way she was going to vote for a Conservative. She thought that
was the end of that, and so I (thinking I had nothing to lose) asked her ‘Why?’
She was taken aback. What did I
mean: why? She was very clear wasn’t she?
I was genuinely interested in what
she had to say. Why not vote Conservative? Why vote Labour? Why be so unequivocal?
I was curious, and she appreciated it.
Despite her supposed rush, we ended
up talking for more than 30 minutes. About schools and social mobility. About
fly-tipping and potholes. About the health service and police force.
At the end of the conversation she
thanked me for my time, and that I listened to her. She told me that she would
still be voting Labour but that she appreciated my commitment to our community.
A few weeks later was Election Day.
That night I was surprised to receive a message on Facebook. It said:
‘Hi Mario. Not sure if you remember
but you canvassed me on Selhurst Road the other day and we had a good
conversation about politics. Well just to let you know that I did something
that I have never done before in my life and voted for a Tory! Because you are
young and passionate and I believe that you will make a difference. So good
luck, and if you do get in don’t let me down!’
I sadly did not win that time, but
the whole experience taught me a valuable lesson: that if you truly care about
your local area, and you listen to the people in the community, then you can
make a difference.
” We were all told that the referendum result would be respected; both Labour and the Conservatives ran on a manifesto commitment to do just that. If we betray that trust, then we jeopardise faith in our entire political establishment”
You
supported Remain in the EU Referendum. What’s made you now support us
leaving the EU?
Although
I did support Remain, I always recognised that there were merits on both sides
of the argument. Since the referendum, my excitement about the possibilities
for Britain outside the EU has really grown. In the last year I’ve had the
privilege of travelling quite a bit, and there’s a real appetite around the
world to re-engage with Britain in a way that simply wouldn’t be possible if we
were staying in.
However,
above and beyond anything else, I am a champion for Brexit because I’m a
democrat. I
believe we should leave the EU as soon as possible to fulfill the democratic
instruction given to us by the British people. I therefore fully support Prime
Minister Johnson’s intention that we leave by October 31st.
In the largest vote ever to take place
in British history, the people made a clear decision. I am a democrat, and that
decision must be implemented. To do otherwise would shake the very foundations of our
democracy.
We were all told that the referendum
result would be respected; both Labour and the Conservatives ran on a manifesto
commitment to do just that. If we betray that trust, then we jeopardise faith
in our entire political establishment – a faith that is already being tested to
the limit.
Politicians should not choose which
votes they respect and which they do not. We must leave the EU – no ifs, no
buts.
“However, even if we can’t secure a deal like this – which I think we can – we must leave the EU, come what may, on 31st October”
What
terms would you like to see us leave the EU under?
The ideal
terms for Brexit would be to negotiate a comprehensive free trade deal with the
EU similar to the arrangement enjoyed by Canada. This kind of deal will
allow free trade and relatively little friction on the borders but would not
compromise national sovereignty, our ability to set our own laws, control our
borders and pursue an ambitious global trade policy.
However,
even if we can’t secure a deal like this – which I think we can – we must leave
the EU, come what may, on 31st October.
“Join a political party or residents’ group or local charity – whatever suits you, just do it. Truly the only way to improve things, and to oust bad politicians, is to work hard and push for change locally”
Until
recently you were Chief Whip for the Conservatives in the Council. You must
have seen a lot of what’s going on. What are your thoughts more broadly
on Croydon Politics?
Our local politics is not in a
healthy place. The Labour-run Council actively avoids scrutiny – tens of
thousands of residents have signed petitions that are ignored by the Council.
Even in official consultations, if the response is not in keeping with Labour’s
policy objectives then the results are often sidelined. Residents’ Associations
are barely engaged with and whenever a reasonable local resident tries to flag
issues with an insensitive development, aggressive councillors routinely shut
them down.
The public gets a measly 30 minutes
to ask questions at each Council meeting, and there are only 7 meetings each
year. The Labour Cabinet members don’t hold public meetings and when a member
of the public does get to ask a question often the answer is mealy-mouthed and
obstructive.
A confident council should welcome
scrutiny. The Opposition can help the (currently Labour) Administration to up their
gameif they are allowed to do their job properly. However, at the moment Labour does everything
it can to block any attempt at the main parties working together in Croydon’s
interests – and so meetings often spiral out of control into childish bickering
that debases our community.
But I’m an optimist. There are so
many phenomenal people involved in our local politics – whether they’re in a
political party or not, so many residents are committed to making our local
communities thrive. We may sometimes disagree on the way to get there, but our
ultimate goal is the same.
The only way to help Croydon thrive
is to get involved. Join a political party or residents’ group or local charity
– whatever suits you, just do it. Truly the only way to improve things, and to
oust bad politicians, is to work hard and push for change locally.
This is
your first time as a parliamentary candidate, has anything come as a surprise
from making that step?
Croydon has got huge potential – the
potential to be a dynamic, prosperous town that provides opportunities for
everyone. I’ve spent 10 years campaigning in Croydon, and the biggest surprise
since becoming the candidate is finding out just how many people locally care
passionately about our community and how desperately they want it to get
better. There have been heated discussions, and the vast majority have shared a
common desire to boost our borough. It’s energising to know there’s that hunger
out there, and I want to be instrumental in helping to make it happen for my
home town.
If you
introduce or repeal 3 laws (other than for Brexit) what would they be?
Cracking down on
crime:
A review of sentencing of prolific
offenders with a view to creating a clearer expectation of longer and more
certain prison sentences for super-prolific offenders. We should continue the
Government’s policy of investing in more prison capacity to enable more
super-prolific offenders to be jailed and for longer. And we need action to
improve and toughen community sentences, suspended sentences and drug
rehabilitation programmes – a greater emphasis on rehabilitation is all-important
in breaking the cycle that too often drags those leaving the penal system back
into a life of crime.
Tackling poverty: tax cuts for
business should be made conditional on increases in wages for staff on the
lowest rates of pay, in order to counter in-work poverty. I would offer
corporate tax cuts to firms that increase pay for their staff and these tax
cuts should also be used to encourage more training for young and low-paid
staff, who are most likely to miss out on support to boost their skills. With
near full employment already achieved, the Conservatives are already helping
millions, but it’s time to address the root causes of in-work poverty – this is
just one policy idea to contribute to achieving that goal.
Social mobility: Given that gaps
between the advantaged and less advantaged open up before birth and get wider
through a child’s formative years, the role of parents and the early years
workforce is highly important. The government’s 30-hour free childcare offer
has helped many families afford a vital service – but good quality childcare is
still out of reach for many. Significantly reducing the lower income limit of
eligibility and working with local authorities to specifically target
low-income households will help to boost social mobility. I want every kid in
Croydon to get the support and services they need so they can achieve their
maximum potential in life.
Any other
thoughts you want to leave us with?
We’ve
currently got a Labour MP in Croydon Central who has voted to block Brexit more
than 10 times. The Lib Dems can’t win in Croydon and neither can the Brexit
Party – it’s a straight fight between Labour and the Conservatives. If you
truly want to deliver Brexit, then the only way to do that is to vote
Conservative in the next election, whenever that comes. A vote for any other
party is effectively a vote for Labour to stay in power and for our
Brexit-blocking MP to continue in her determined effort to circumvent the will
of the people.
Don’t let
that happen. Croydon deserves better than that.
On 24th May Chris Philp MP and London Assembly Member David Kurten spoke in Croydon on Britain’s Opportunities outside the EU. You can watch Chris Philp’s speeches and Q&A at the links below.
