Steve Gardner is the SDP prospective candidate for Uxbridge & South Ruislip. At the time we interviewed him for our Podcast, and afterwards about his experiences. Now we speak with Steve about his decision to stand again.
“The only way that we can facilitate positive change is to get involved and do something about it. I’ve fought a few campaigns for the SDP and I’m looking forward to fighting a few more!”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our new readers?
My name is Steve Gardner and i’m the Parliamentary Prospective Candidate for the Social Democratic Party in Uxbridge & South Ruislip.
What made you decide to stand for the SDP?
I hadn’t really found the party that I agreed with until I was signposted to the SDP on social media around 4 years ago. Like most people of a particular age, I hadn’t realised that they were still going and after having read their policies, I agreed with the majority of them, so I took the plunge and joined. I would say my politics are more centre right, but I like the fact the SDP also look to the left economically. The party and I share a lot of the same values and they’re the only common-sense party out there. The only way that we can facilitate positive change is to get involved and do something about it. I’ve fought a few campaigns for the SDP and I’m looking forward to fighting a few more!
“Listening to the constituents is critical! I live in the constituency I’m standing in, as do my family and friends so I have a really good understanding of what the local issues are”
You stood in Uxbridge and South Ruislip in the recent by-election. What do you take from that into the General Election campaign?
Listening to the constituents is critical! I live in the constituency I’m standing in, as do my family and friends so I have a really good understanding of what the local issues are. The job of a Politician is to be the mouthpiece for the people in Parliament; they are your boss. It’s as simple as that. Regardless of what your vision for the area is, number one on the agenda should be what the constituents want, regardless of what you or the party you represent want.
“The biggest concerns are ULEZ, the cost of living and community safety. Hopefully, the current Mayor of London will be ousted by our candidate, Amy Gallagher”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
The biggest concerns are ULEZ, the cost of living and community safety. Hopefully, the current Mayor of London will be ousted by our candidate, Amy Gallagher, who will scrap this ridiculous stealth tax. As an MP though, more pressure should be put on the Mayor to address this. The cost of living is ludicrous and more needs to be done by those in office to help those struggling, especially in the winter months where people have a decision to heat or eat. It’s disgusting that the UK should be in this situation. Additionally, I want our communities to feel safe again. The Police need to be backed by our Politicians to actually do their jobs properly, without fear or favour. It’s evident that there is a two-tier Policing system in place and this needs to stop. The law of this country is the law and no-one should be above that.
I’d also like to add, for those who are unsure, that a woman is an adult female that has the capability to give birth, has a uterus, a womb and XX chromosomes. I get asked this question a lot but to me, the answer is obvious.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign? (if available please include Facebook, Twitter, emails etc)
I have a social media presence on Twitter (X) – @SGardnerSDP, Facebook – Steve Gardner Social Democratic Party (@SDPNWLondon) or you can check out what the SDP stands for on our website, sdp.org.uk.
Alternatively, I can be contacted on my email address [email protected].
