Ian Grattidge is the SDP prospective candidate for Tonbridge. We spoke with Ian about his decision to stand.
“The New Declaration was something of a revelation. It was the first time I read a party ‘prospectus’ with which I almost entirely agreed”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I grew up in Southeast London moving to West Kent over 40 years ago. I am married with four children and three grandchildren. After a career spent mainly in the Civil Service, and latterly operating at senior management level, I ‘reinvented’ myself as a consultant and interim manager specialising in financial, reporting and governance turnrounds. I also have had a number of Governor and Trustee roles, latterly as Board Chair for a Housing Association.
What made you decide to stand for the SDP?
For many years I drifted between different parties, not much enthused by the offerings of any. The New Declaration was something of a revelation. It was the first time I read a party ‘prospectus’ with which I almost entirely agreed. At a time when so much division is evident in the UK – division that is being exacerbated by identity politics – I feel that with the SDP there is a genuine offer of something for all. The family has been neglected by successive governments and over the past few years public services have become both unreliable and seemingly unaccountable to the people they serve. The prospects, too, for young people getting on the housing ladder seem to be getting increasingly bleak. I don’t believe any of the mainstream parties have engaged with these challenges sufficiently well to give me confidence that they have good solutions.
“At a time when people might like to take the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with the Tory Government there needs to be a credible alternative, one based on support for families”
You’re the Spokesman for Tonbridge what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I have lived in West Kent for over 40 years. Constituencies have remained steadfastly Conservative during this time. At a time when people might like to take the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with the Tory Government there needs to be a credible alternative, one based on support for families, affordable housing and reliable public services. I believe the SDP offers voters the opportunity to support these key priorities. The voters of Tonbridge deserve to have this option made available to them.
“Maintaining good quality services – both in Tonbridge but also the many villages in the constituency – are particular issues from my perspective”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Housing is a big issue and the pressure for provision of sufficient affordable housing, particularly for young people who would like to work and live in the area, will remain a challenge. The Council plan, specialising as it does on development of brownfield sites, needs to deliver. Similarly plans to redevelop Tonbridge town centre, to revive it as a thriving High Street are key. Maintaining good quality services – both in Tonbridge but also the many villages in the constituency – are particular issues from my perspective. Community based services are a better alternative to centralised provision, especially where public transport is not extensively available.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
There is a new Facebook page – SDP West Kent – aimed at bringing together SDP supporters in the area (Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks) and which will carry updates on local campaigns. We do not have a large army of volunteers so any help with getting the message out there will be really welcome. I can be contacted on [email protected] and found on Twitter @GrattidgeIan.
