Councillor Stephen Gander is the SDP prospective candidate for Sussex Wealden. We spoke with Stephen when he was standing in the local elections and after about his experiences as a Parish Councillor. We now speak again with him about his decision to stand for Parliament.
“With great common sense policies, there’s not much to dislike and if the average voter was to look at what the SDP offer they would undoubtedly think the same”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Stephen Gander an I’ve been an active member of the SDP for the last three years or so. I have previously stood for election at the last general election In 2019. I have been a retail manager for around 35 years, up and down East and West Sussex.
“I love living in Wealden and am also a local councillor so I know the area and the residents”
What made you stand for the SDP?
I came across the SDP as I was looking, like most, for a political home and stumbled across the SDP and it’s fantastic common sense policies. I could see this was a party pretty much in its infancy coming out of the ‘Brexit years’ with a great potential to offer people like me a home and some sort of hope. With great common sense policies, there’s not much to dislike and if the average voter was to look at what the SDP offer they would undoubtedly think the same. Still a fledgling party which doesn’t get the full exposure it deserves, it’s definitely one to keep an eye on in the future once it starts to get some political traction.
You’re the spokesman for Sussex Wealden. What’s made you to decide to represent this area?
I love living in Wealden and am also a local councillor so I know the area and the residents. I would represent the locals and stand up for their concerns giving a voice to the communities.
“Housebuilding and its effects, such as traffic and flooding are the main local issues with immigration and the cost of living the two most talked about national issues”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Talking on the doorstep there are a variety of issues which people are concerned about. Housebuilding and its effects, such as traffic and flooding are the main local issues with immigration and the cost of living the two most talked about national issues. I am prepared to take on these issues and do what I can in conjunction with local consultation and communications.
For those eager to help how can they get involved in the campaign?
Please follow or get in touch with me via:
Email [email protected]
X (Twitter) @StephenganderDP
Facebook Cllr Stephen Gander
