Neil Norton is the SDP prospective candidate for Bristol South. We spoke with Neil about his decision to stand.
“The main parties do not speak for the ordinary people. Labour have lost their way for a long time, and focus on more luxury beliefs and identity politics”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Neil Norton. Brummie born and bred and have lived in the Bristol region for 12 years. Spent 11 years in Weston-Super-Mare, and just under a year in Bristol. My background is mainly business support within in the public sector (care homes, social services), and did do some volunteer work within Citizens Advice for a couple of years before Covid-19. Currently, I am a full-time carer for family members. I have stood for the SDP in the 2024 local elections here in Bristol for the Hengrove and Whitchurch Park ward, and did enter for Labour in two local elections in North Somerset back in 2015 and 2019.
What made you decide to stand for the SDP?
I came across the SDP a year ago. Their policies spoke to me and felt they represented me and the ordinary working class. The main parties do not speak for the ordinary people. Labour have lost their way for a long time, and focus on more luxury beliefs and identity politics. The Greens are just the Corbynite reserve team with whacky and crazy policies. I was politically homeless at the time tired of Labour’s “flip-flopping” and ineffective governance locally.
The SDP were calling out my name. I took the plunge and joined. There’s not much to disagree with, and it’s a party that is reflective of true British values. This is a part for the future, and will be big news shortly.
You’re the Spokesman for Bristol South what’s made you decide to represent this area?
As a local resident based in Hengrove; this is an area that has been neglected by both the local council and government, and offers true potential. I will represent the local community and listen to residents concerns.
“Considering there are numerous homeless people and families in the city; why are students top priority? These are only temporary residents and will bring little to local communities”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Bristol South has a lot of high crime, deprivation and sadly in recent over-development of alleged “affordable” housing, which is out of reach to many people. The state of Bedminster High Street is unbelievable. The local Green councillors have let their area become a glorified building site by building ridiculous student housing developments and turning buildings into HMOs often attracting undesirable people. Considering there are numerous homeless people and families in the city; why are students top priority? These are only temporary residents and will bring little to local communities.
Meanwhile, homeless families are in expensive, low-quality temporary accommodation with little to zero hope of getting a decent home. The Greens have no housing policy. Everyone should have a home and more focus needs to be on homeless families. Crime is a key issue, especially with drugs, anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and knife-crime. A zero tolerance approach is needed. Policing needs to be back to basics on real crime. Drug dealers need to be punished, and more needs to be done for addicts to stop relapsing. People and businesses alike should not be living in fear. Harsher punishments for knife crime, and for those carrying a knife. Why take a life?
“Complacency from both Labour and the Greens in the area has led to the ordinary people ignored. A vote for the SDP will see real change and bring back common sense changes and rules”
Public transport needs improving. Bus stops are needed, as there are areas cut off with huge distances for walking that’s unfair on disabled and elderly people. Reliable services, which do not keep being cancelled as well as being affordable to people. Parsons Street and Bedminster railway stations to be bought into the 21st century with suitable access for the disabled and more regular services than a pathetic one an hour. It’s time GWR and National Rail as well as local councils and the government stopped messing about and actually listened to the customer.
I support the revival of Whitchurch Athletics Track in the area as that would be a benefit to the community, especially young people to be involved in activities and fulfil their potential. I will listen and fight for residents of Bristol South and make their area better again. Complacency from both Labour and the Greens in the area has led to the ordinary people ignored. A vote for the SDP will see real change and bring back common sense changes and rules.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
You can contact me via e:mail [email protected] or find me on X/Twitter @NEILSDPBRIS84.
