Andrew Davis, SDP candidate for Winchester

Andrew Davis is the SDP prospective candidate for Winchester.  We spoke with Andrew about his decision to stand.

“I am proud of this country and its heritage, and our traditions are valuable and should be respected.  I do not like the radicalisation of society which I am seeing today as a result of people pushing divisive political agendas”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Andrew Davis.  I was born in Hillingdon but have lived in Winchester since 1992.  I am sixty years old.  I have a degree in history from Warwick University and started my career in the 1980s as a customs and excise officer.  Since then, I have worked in tax related roles in various companies in England, Ireland and Poland.  I am still in full time work and commute into central London.

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

I am one of the people who feels that I am not represented by the major political parties.  I am from a working class background and have benefited from the post war welfare and educational reforms.  I want to ensure that everyone has the same opportunity.  However, I am proud of this country and its heritage, and our traditions are valuable and should be respected.  I do not like the radicalisation of society which I am seeing today as a result of people pushing divisive political agendas.

You’re the Spokesman for Winchester what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I love Winchester and the people of Winchester.  I want to give them a choice and try to break the stale political monoculture which has prevailed for too long.

“Winchester is a wealthy city located in a beautiful area.  It therefore pains me to see the number of homeless people on the streets, and the associated problem of mental illness and addiction”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

Winchester is a wealthy city located in a beautiful area.  It therefore pains me to see the number of homeless people on the streets, and the associated problem of mental illness and addiction.  Dealing effectively with the pockets of deprivation in the city is a priority.

I have a particular interest in the environment of the area.  I keep bees and am also actively involved in efforts to monitor the local wildlife.  Managing the environment sensibly to protect the natural beauty of the area in the face of development pressures is a key concern.  I do not however want to try to achieve this through persecution of car owners and other measures designed to force us back to the pre-industrial age.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

There are very few SDP members in the Winchester area for now.  I am going to need help with leafletting and other activities needed to raise awareness of the party in the constituency.  If anyone wants to help, please contact me at [email protected].

If you want to know more about the party visit our website at https://sdp.org.uk/.

Yvonne Wilding, SDP candidate for Mid Buckinghamshire

Already a Councillor on Hughenden Parish Council, Yvonne Wilding is the SDP prospective candidate for Mid Buckinghamshire.  We spoke with Yvonne about her decision to stand.

“I’m a pharmaceutical drug development consultant, essentially, I map out what needs to be done to check if new medicines work and are safe. I am a local Councillor and run a small business with my husband”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Yvonne Wilding, I live in Great Kingshill, Bucks and I am PPC for Mid Bucks. I’m a pharmaceutical drug development consultant, essentially, I map out what needs to be done to check if new medicines work and are safe. I am a local Councillor and run a small business with my husband who is retired. I have 3 grown up kids. Personal interests are nature, science, walks in countryside with 2 dogs. I belong to local environment and climate change group.

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

I decided to stand for SDP because I couldn’t contemplate voting for either of the 3 main parties as they do not represent my values. I searched the Internet for other parties and after some digging came across SDP. The values and the policies really resonate with what I believe is important for our nation. I have been a Tory voter for most of my life, but I have been disgusted by their apparent moral slide and lack of integrity.

“I have lived in mid Bucks for 12 years and it us a wonderful place full of fabulous people. I want to continue to protect all that is good here”

You’re the Spokesman for Mid Bucks what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I have lived in mid Bucks for 12 years and it us a wonderful place full of fabulous people. I want to continue to protect all that is good here and avoid some of the monstrous things that councils have done in other parts of the country. I grew up in the North Midlands, so I know how easy it is to destroy towns and communities. My father was a coal miner – exploited by the mining industry and murdered by the tobacco industry. People matter. Communities matter.

“Housing needs to fit within the context of current properties, immigration needs careful control”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

Mid Bucks is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. We need to preserve this whilst continuing to create employment opportunities and housing. These 2 aims are not incompatible. Housing needs to fit within the context of current properties, immigration needs careful control, we need to invest heavily in green industries which improve the environment and climate. Sustainability is important Industries should be carefully managed so they are carbon neutral, and their buildings are in keeping with the landscape.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

I would encourage people to contact me at [email protected] and follow me on Facebook at SDP Mid Bucks Yvonne Wilding, and on Twitter @YvonneWilding.

You can also hear Yvonne on LBC telling why she won’t vote for the 3 main parties.

Adam Hibbert, SDP candidate for Sevenoaks

Adam Hibbert is the SDP prospective candidate for Sevenoaks.  We spoke with Adam about his decision to stand.

“I’m a Brexiteer from the Left tradition – frustrated at the way parliament proved incapable of living up to that result, and at Johnson’s failings over COVID”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m a volunteer organiser for the Social Democratic Party in the South East region, married, two teenaged children, working full-time – not in a political career. I joined the SDP in February 2021.

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

I’m a Brexiteer from the Left tradition – frustrated at the way parliament proved incapable of living up to that result, and at Johnson’s failings over COVID. Seven wasted years, and no end in sight. So, I resolved to stop spectating and get on the pitch.

The Social Democratic Party has a common-sense programme to turn the ship around. Our “social market” principles chart a centrist course very different to that of the LibDems, or Reform – one that understands Britain as our home, not as a business or a charity, putting family, community, and nation first.

“I believe it’s right and healthy for MPs to truly belong to the community they seek to represent. It’s all about bringing politics home”

You’re the Spokesman for Sevenoaks what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I’ve lived here since 2012, raised my children here, following in the footsteps of my in-laws who raised both their daughters here through the 80s and 90s. I believe it’s right and healthy for MPs to truly belong to the community they seek to represent. It’s all about bringing politics home.

Sevenoaks bleeds blue if you cut it, but Tories were wiped-out in the local elections here in May, handing the town council to the LibDems. Why? Nothing to do with the local talent here – everything to do with voter fury at the national party’s political bankruptcy and administrative chaos.

We have a parachuted Cameron ‘talent’ here, in name at least, who I can’t hope to displace. But for one nation Tories, the politically homeless and Brexit-minded Labour voters, there has to be an option on the ballot paper that registers a coherent critique of the neoliberal Blob that she, the Labour Party and the LibDems now represent. This vote must send a clear signal to whichever combination of them happens to win, to put an end to their indifference towards British values and interests. A vote for the SDP does precisely that, like nothing else.

“I’m committed to rebalancing our education system, top to bottom, to support and empower those young people who are not university-fodder”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

I don’t think it’s appropriate for parliamentary candidates to fight on issues that are more properly the domain of local democracy – we’re here to influence national policy. Where national policy affects local issues, such as housing, I would urge voters to refer to our policies at the website – we know how to tackle these issues, head-on.

One of my teens attended Hadlow College, and I’m committed to rebalancing our education system, top to bottom, to support and empower those young people who are not university-fodder. I will likewise champion small enterprises, farming, and light industries, here – for a more productive, less service-heavy economy. 

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

Above all else, we need additional members and candidates to step forward.  Go to  https://sdp.org.uk/ for our policies and follow the party at @SDPhq on Twitter.  Please do also contact me on twitter @adhib – I’ll advertise activities there as the campaign hots up.

Our South East Branch Coordinators are looking for constituency contacts across the region, from Oxfordshire via Hampshire across to Kent. You might be able to help us give your fellow constituents a decent option on your ballot paper, if you currently lack one. 

Carl Buckfield, SDP candidate for Brighton Pavilion

Carl Buckfield is the SDP prospective candidate for Brighton Pavilion.  We spoke with Carl about his decision to stand.

“Born into a working class family I was very excited to be the first in my family to go to university and eventually get a PhD”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Carl Buckfield, born in Carshalton, Surrey. We moved to Brighton when I was a child to be closer to family. I have lived in Brighton the majority of my life. Born into a working class family I was very excited to be the first in my family to go to university and eventually get a PhD; I am now a psychology lecturer. I am a staunch advocate for free speech and enlightenment values. Family is the most important thing in the world to me so I like to spend my free time with them. I have also spent years volunteering for St. Vincent De Paul Society charity so I can do my small part in alleviating poverty in the local community.

“The Conservative government have been disastrous over the last 13 years. Labour has turned its back on the working class and holds us and our values in contempt”

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

The SDP are the party of common sense, something we are sorely missing at the present. For several years before becoming an SDP member I found myself politically homeless. The Conservative government have been disastrous over the last 13 years. Labour has turned its back on the working class and holds us and our values in contempt. The Green Party – sole purpose of fighting climate change – are completely impotent in this agenda as long as they put a primacy on eco-austerity measures over nuclear energy. The Liberal Democrats recently have been neither liberal nor democratic. The SDP left-of-centre economic policies and socially conservative values are my values. The SDP has long-term fixes for the most pressing issues facing ordinary citizen such as cost of living and housing.

“Voters deserve better than some parachute candidate who bounces from constituency to constituency trying their luck at places just because they think they have the best chance of winning there”

You’re the Spokesman for Brighton Pavilion what’s made you decide to represent this area?

Brighton is my home. I think whoever runs for a constituency should at least have deep roots there. The people of Brighton deserve someone who has invested time and energy into the area and who understands what the people and the city need. Voters deserve better than some parachute candidate who bounces from constituency to constituency trying their luck at places just because they think they have the best chance of winning there. With Caroline Lucas stepping down there is real opportunity for change in Brighton. 

“Brighton is the most dangerous city in East Sussex with 103 crimes per 1000 people. The crime rate is 41% higher than the county overall. More proactive frontline policing is needed”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

  • Housing and the cost of living – Brighton is the most expensive place to live in Sussex and ranks among the most expensive places in UK. The city has catered to the increasing student population at the expense of affordable housing for permanent residents. I would work hard to tackle the level of homelessness in Brighton. The SDP will build more affordable homes and nationalise energy companies to reduce and control prices.
  • Commuting & travel – many Brighton residents commute to London for work. Commuting costs approx. £5600 per year which could increase to £6000 in 2024. The SDP are committed to nationalising railways. The trains are also a great opportunity for Brightonians to have relaxing weekend in London and Londoners to have a nice beach holiday. Nationalising railways will make these journeys cheaper for all and could encourage tourists to visit and spend more in Brighton.
  • Drugs and crime – Brighton is the drugs misuse death capital of the South East. As an addiction researcher I am committed to reducing the harms associated with drug use and making everyone healthier. Brighton is the most dangerous city in East Sussex with 103 crimes per 1000 people. The crime rate is 41% higher than the county overall. More proactive frontline policing is needed.  

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

I highly encourage people to join the SDP – check out our policies: https://sdp.org.uk/

People can contact me on [email protected] or on twitter @CBuck_SDP. Volunteers for leafletting and canvassing are always welcome. Finally, I also encourage people to stand. Check out our website to see if SDP are standing in your area: https://sdp.org.uk/general-election-candidates/. I am standing in Brighton Pavilion and Valerie Gray, is standing in Brighton Kemptown. It would be great if someone could stand in Hove.

Les Beaumont, SDP candidate for Ealing North

We spoke with Les Beaumont when he ran for council in 2022.  Les is now the SDP’s prospective candidate for the Ealing North constituency. 

“Labour has abandoned working-class values and Tory rule has seen a disastrous decline in our wealth, resources and social cohesion”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’ve lived in the Ealing North constituency and its predecessor since 1995. I’m married with four grown-up children and four grandchildren. I enjoy cycling, reading, and watching football (born in North London, I’m a lifelong Arsenal fan) and take a keen interest in current affairs.

Before retirement, I ran a commercial cleaning company. You’ll now find me during the week at my local community-run library.

What made you decide to stand again for the SDP?

The major parties can’t match the mix of left-of-centre economic policies and socially conservative values that are unique to the SDP.

Our motto is ‘Family Community Nation’ and we are passionate about ensuring that government nurtures all three. Sadly, Labour has abandoned working-class values and Tory rule has seen a disastrous decline in our wealth, resources and social cohesion.

“the SDP’s goal is a united community grounded in a common vision of what the nation is and what it stands for”

You’re the Spokesman for Ealing North what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I stood in the local council elections in 2022. I’m standing again in the general election to give my fellow constituents the chance to vote for the SDP. A party that represents what I believe are the values and aspirations of the vast majority of British people.

Ealing’s is a diverse population but whatever your religion, ethnicity or heritage, the SDP’s goal is a united community grounded in a common vision of what the nation is and what it stands for.

“The SDP has a comprehensive set of policies to tackle these issues. Not short-term fixes but long-term solutions”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

The Economy, Health and Housing.

The SDP has a comprehensive set of policies to tackle these issues. Not short-term fixes but long-term solutions. Solutions that will re-energise our country and bring us lasting prosperity, will transform our health service into one to be proud of once again and will build homes in which our young people can bring up a family in comfort and security.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

Join the SDP! Go to https://sdp.org.uk/ read our policies and click on Join in the top right-hand corner of the screen. You can become a member or, for just £1 a month, become a Friend of the SDP.

Alternatively, if you’d rather just help out, email [email protected].

And to get all the news and views from the SDP in London follow us at https://twitter.com/LondonSdp.

Les Beaumont

Councillor Stephen Gander (SDP) of Hellingly Parish Council

We interviewed Stephen prior to the local elections in May, and now he’s written for us about his experiences so far as a Parish Councillor. 

“I want to represent the local community by doing the right thing and supporting the residents. Hellingly is in a good place at the moment, and I want to continue the hard work that has gone before.”

Last May I put myself forward for Hellingly Parish Council and also to be a Hailsham district councillor for Wealden. I live in Hellingly and thought I would have a very good chance to get elected to the parish council as I am known through the local community. The district election was always going to be a lot tougher representing the SDP, and with being a ‘smaller party’. The big issue with Wealden residents is housing developments, especially in the north of the district and this saw the Greens pick up seats there and in South Wealden it appeared to be a anti-conservative vote. Parish elections are more about the local community rather than party politics and I think the election results back this up.

In May I elected to the 15 seat Hellingly Parish Council and sit on a couple of the subcommittees. I already knew a few of the councillors who were re-elected. The good thing about a parish council is that all its members live local and have a good understanding about the local community.  The Parish Council clerks are brilliant at what they do and maintain the day to day running of council business. There is a mutual respect amongst all the councillors and at my first full council meeting I didn’t feel intimidated or made to feel unwelcome.  Over my tenure I want to represent the local community by doing the right thing and supporting the residents. Hellingly is in a good place at the moment, and I want to continue the hard work that has gone before.

“The Conservatives, Lib Dems and Labour are so out of touch and fail to address any issue head on.”

I have also been adopted to stand in the next General Election as PPC for the SDP in Wealden. With a possible election next year, we are starting to put together a campaign and look at what we need to do. The SDP have some fantastic common sense policies available on www.sdp.org.uk these include, re-nationalise the railways and utilities, pause mass immigration and make a decent home available for everyone. The Conservatives, Lib Dems and Labour are so out of touch and fail to address any issue head on.

“if you are not happy with things the way they are and want to bring about change, get involved. Whether if its standing for election or even delivering leaflets, being part of something that challenges what is wrong, is the right thing to do.”

What made me do it?  Like a lot of people, I was getting fed up with government not representing my views or listening to normal people. So, I stood in the 2019 General Election and put myself forward for local government to challenge and try to and make a difference. I would say to anyone if you are not happy with things the way they are and want to bring about change, get involved. Whether if its standing for election or even delivering leaflets, being part of something that challenges what is wrong, is the right thing to do.

It can be daunting and lonely on the campaign trail often with yourself in the spotlight. Be confident in your ability, plan, prepare and research and you will always be better. Get back up and go again when you get knocked down.

You can contact Stephen at [email protected] , or find him on Twitter and Facebook.


Main photo includes an aerial view of the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul in Hellingly, East Sussex.  This is a photo of listed building number 1043186 by Barbara van Cleve.

Tales from Uxbridge – Steve Gardner, SDP candidate in the recent by-election

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a candidate at the centre of a high-profile election?  Just after the results for the Uxbridge & South Ruislip by-election, we caught up with Steve Gardner the SDP candidate for his tales from Uxbridge.

“I knew it would be high profile but I didn’t think it would be the circus it was!”

What made you first take the step to be the SDP candidate for Uxbridge, and did you imagine it would lead to you standing in a high-profile by-election?

When i joined the SDP in 2020 I informed them that I would be willing to stand as a candidate for the London Assembly, which I duly did. I also stood as a candidate in the local elections, and I stated that I would also be willing to stand in a general election. As it was, at the time, Boris Johnson’s seat I felt obliged to stand should a general election be called! I knew it would be high profile but I didn’t think it would be the circus it was!

You were interviewed by local and national media. What are your thoughts on being interviewed and on dealing with the press?

The press that I did have dealings with were really good. I take my hat off to the Hillingdon Herald who were fair to all the candidates and to Rod Liddle for painting me in a good light in an article he wrote for The Sun! I didn’t have a problem being interviewed as I saw it as a vehicle to get my message and that of the SDP across. Being a smaller party, we tend to get ignored by the mainstream media.

“a canvasser for Labour knocked at my door and said “Hi. Will you consider a vote for Labour?” I handed her one of my leaflets that had a big picture of my face on it which she took, nonplussed”

You were out campaigning hard during the election. How did you find your interactions with the public and are there any funny stories from the campaign trail?

My interactions with the public took place in the evenings or weekends due to work, but I loved it. A lot of people were genuinely interested in what I had to say and equally, I was interested in their views because that’s what politicians should do; listen to the people. The only two incidents that really made me chuckle were when campaigning in Uxbridge one Saturday, two women came up to me requesting a leaflet saying “Yep. We’ll be voting for you. No question. We’ve been following your campaign and you’re the one for us”. After taking the leaflet and walking off a few paces, one of them turned around and said “Hang on. You’re not that Labour bloke!” The other was when a canvasser for Labour knocked at my door and said “Hi. Will you consider a vote for Labour?” I handed her one of my leaflets that had a big picture of my face on it which she took, nonplussed. She looked at it again, then looked back at me then said “Oh. It’s you!” She left but she took my leaflet with her, so I consider that a win.

I believe the Conservative and Labour candidates pulled out of the hustings? How did you find the hustings, and how did you find the other candidates?

It was a shame Labour & the Conservatives pulled out of the Hustings at Brunel University that the Hillingdon Herald organised. However, it was a really good night with some excellent questions from the audience. I really enjoyed it. I got on well with all the other candidates; they really were a nice bunch and were passionate in their beliefs. I also made a new friend in Rebecca Jane from UKIP who is super intelligent and funny.

“if you really believe in your cause, you should fight for it. It might take time, but it’s worth it. Nothing will ever change if we do nothing”

Do you have any advice for people thinking of standing for election?

It’s easier standing if you’re in a party, even a small and upcoming one like the SDP! The only way that we’ll get political change in this country is if we vote for it so if you really believe in your cause, you should fight for it. It might take time, but it’s worth it. Nothing will ever change if we do nothing.

You can find out more about Steve’s campaign from our interview and podcast with him.  You can also follow Steve on Twitter, or Facebook.  More information on the SDP can be found at https://sdp.org.uk.

Podcast Episode 85 – Steve Gardner: SDP for Uxbridge & South Ruislip – ULEZ, Policing & Housing

We are joined by Steve Gardner, the SDP candidate for Uxbridge & South Ruislip in the upcoming Parliamentary by-election. Steve tells us about his background in the army, his love for his home constituency and his priorities of; scrapping the ULEZ expansion, improved pro-active policing and suitable and affordable housing.

You can also read interview with Steve mentioned in the podcast at https://croydonconstitutionalists.uk/steve-gardner-uxbridge/

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Contents:
00:00 – Intro
01:24 – Background in the Army
05:00 – The Constituency
06:48 – Priorities
12:20 – How to get involved
14:00 – Website & Events
16:22 – Outro

Steve Gardner, SDP candidate for Uxbridge & South Ruislip by-election.

Following the resignation of Boris Johnson from Parliament, a by-election has been called in the Uxbridge & South Ruislip constituency for the 20th July.  We’ve spoken local man Steve Gardner, who is the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for election.

“The SDP is a patriotic, economically left-leaning and socially right leaning, culturally traditional party”

This may be the first time some people have had a chance to vote for the SDP. Can you introduce the party and say a bit about what it stands for.

The SDP is a patriotic, economically left-leaning and socially right leaning, culturally traditional party. We’ve been going for some time and these days, we’re a grass roots party with no vested interests. We have long term policies and genuinely want to improve things for the better. After feeling politically homeless, I was directed to the SDP and I liked what I saw!

“My entire family reside in the constituency with the vast majority of us in Hillingdon and it really is a great place to live”

Can you introduce yourself to the people of Uxbridge & South Ruislip, and also tell us what got you involved in politics?

My name is Steve Gardner and I’ve lived in the constituency for over 25 years. I served in the British Army for five years and was operational during the First Gulf War. I was also an Army Cadet Officer for 15 years, leaving as a Captain. My entire family reside in the constituency with the vast majority of us in Hillingdon and it really is a great place to live. I just want to make it better and safer. I’m sure those who live in the surrounding areas of Ickenham, Yiewsley, Cowley and West Drayton would agree.

I never really had any interest in becoming a politician but I was urged to do so by family and friends. The system is broken; politicians no longer seem to work for the people and that needs to change. To do this you have to join the system. To be elected as the representative of your community is one of the highest honours one can achieve and shouldn’t be taken lightly. We urgently need to shake the system up for the better.

“Scrap the ULEZ extension. It’s a stealth tax that will have a minimal effect on the environment. It’s just a way of making easy money and it’s always the motorist who has to pay the price”

If elected what are the local challenges you want to champion?

My three main election issues are to:

  1. Scrap the ULEZ extension. It’s a stealth tax that will have a minimal effect on the environment. It’s just a way of making easy money and it’s always the motorist who has to pay the price. It’s outrageous that it’s got this far and people are rightfully angry.
  2. To fight crime through improved pro-active policing. The politicians have massively let down the Police who have been unable to carry out their jobs properly. They should be supported, backed and encouraged to pro-actively police our communities to make them safer. Everyone should be able to feel safe and secure.
  3. To have affordable and suitable housing that prioritises local residents. The main reason that the community spirit is absent is because people can’t afford to live where they grew up which means they move out of the area. They should have priority over local housing. Communities that bond are safer communities for all.

How can people find out more and get involved in your campaign?

Through social media either on my twitter page @SGardnerSDP, or via Facebook @SDPNWLondon.  More information on the SDP can be found on our website – https://sdp.org.uk.

I’m confident that people will read our policies and agree with the majority of them and hopefully support us. We’re the only real credible alternative to the same old show that gets played out every few years. It’s time for change.

Jonathon Mabbutt, SDP candidate for Bethnal Green and Stepney

Jonathon Mabbutt has been announced as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) parliamentary candidate for Bethnal Green and Stepney.  We spoke with Jon about party, the constituency, and the upcoming campaign.

“We passionately believe in democracy, freedom of speech and a rational approach to policy”

Many people will have heard of the SDP, but maybe not for some years.  Can you briefly introduce the party and tell us what it stands for?

The Social Democratic Party was once a big force in British politics, finishing third in an alliance with the Liberals. The majority of the party merged to form the Liberal Democrats but those who remained kept the party alive. Fast forward to today and we are the fastest growing grassroots party and plan to field more candidates at the next election that at any time since the 80s.

We are fighting for the common good in Britain’s national interest. We passionately believe in democracy, freedom of speech and a rational approach to policy. We believe in a strong social sector and building national resilience against global shocks. We hold to traditional values and stand for community, family, and nation.

Can you also let our readers know about yourself, and what led you to get involved in politics?

I am a husband and father and I have been working for charities in the homelessness and addiction sector for the last 15 years. I was a youth and children’s worker for a church for 2 years prior to that. I have always wanted to do work that helped people, especially those in difficult circumstances, and getting involved with the SDP is really a continuation of that.

“the SDP is a party that is actually offering solutions and reflects the mainstream very well, especially in places left behind by political indifference”

You’re the parliamentary candidate for Bethnal Green and Stepney, what’s made you decide to stand?

I have always been interested in politics but never felt represented by any of the mainstream parties. This is quite a common experience. Much of the nation is pretty detached from the views of the Westminster bubble. By contrast the SDP is a party that is actually offering solutions and reflects the mainstream very well, especially in places left behind by political indifference. If we are to bring change that would benefit us all then we need good candidates. After much consideration I decided that I couldn’t complain from the side-lines any longer.

“We have huge issues of overcrowding with many, many flats housing far more people than there are bedrooms. The social housing stock here is miniscule and what remains is often very run down”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

I’m standing in Bethnal Green. We have huge issues of overcrowding with many, many flats housing far more people than there are bedrooms. The social housing stock here is miniscule and what remains is often very run down. We also have extremely high levels of child poverty and a lack of social cohesion.

On the national level I’m passionate about standing up for free speech and free association, a respect for the family and the role of parents and getting the state back into housebuilding. I’m in favour of a reduction in economic migration and a compassionate yet sensible approach to the refugee crisis which prioritises taking the most insecure people in refugee camps over those from Europe crossing illegally with the help of criminal gangs.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

I would invite people to take a look at the policies and new declaration on our website sdp.org.uk, and if they speak to your concerns then consider joining us. Likewise, you can e-mail me at [email protected].

You can also follow Jon on Twitter at https://twitter.com/jonmabbutt.