Tim Burt is the SDP prospective candidate for Maidenhead. We spoke with Tim about his decision to stand.
“The Labour party has turned its back on traditional working people in favour of adherence to divisive identity politics, whereas the Conservatives have achieved very little over the last 13 years and have merely presided over the continuing decline of the country”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in Chichester before moving to Stamford Lincolnshire where I went to school. After graduating from Nottingham University in mathematics I moved into the telecommunications industry, initially as a software engineer and later in a variety of operational roles. I have been a resident of Maidenhead for 33 years where I live with my long term partner Jayne. I am now retired and looking to contribute back to the local community.
“I want to give the people of Maidenhead a real choice in how they vote at the next general election”
What made you decide to stand for the SDP?
I had found myself feeling increasingly politically homeless. The Labour party has turned its back on traditional working people in favour of adherence to divisive identity politics, whereas the Conservatives have achieved very little over the last 13 years and have merely presided over the continuing decline of the country. Once I read the SDP’s New Declaration expounding their values, with their combination of progressive economic policies with support for the traditional values of the country, these immediately chimed with me.
I now believe that it is important to play my part in getting the message out to the country that there is a real alternative.
You’re the Spokesman for Maidenhead what’s made you decide to represent this area?
As a long time resident of Maidenhead I feel very lucky to live in such an area of natural beauty and want to do what I can to assure the future of our town and surrounding villages. I want to give the people of Maidenhead a real choice in how they vote at the next general election.
“In Maidenhead there is a need for more quality family housing rather than the ever expanding development of high rise flats in the town”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Maidenhead is currently undergoing major development as part of its borough local plan (BLP). Although there is an urgent need nationally for more housing, it is important to ensure that such developments are appropriate to their environment and meet the needs of their residents. In Maidenhead there is a need for more quality family housing rather than the ever expanding development of high rise flats in the town. Affordable housing is also a major issue, something that the SDP looks to address in its manifesto policies.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
The SDP is a growing party, but local membership still currently remains very modest. We need any local residents who are attracted by the SDP’s message to assist in any way they can, whether that be leafletting, spreading the message at street stalls or just putting up a poster at election time. Anyone interested in helping can contact me at [email protected].
