| Local Politics |
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I have always had an interest in local politics and this May I have been selected as the Conservative Candidate for Southtown and Cobham in Great Yarmouth. People often ask why I want to get involved. Well, very simply, I believe that if you want to make a difference, you need to become involved. Can I make a difference? Well, Great Yarmouth Borough Council has an annual budget of over £72,000,000 and employs 450 people. Currently there are 39 councillors (24 Conservative and 15 Labour). The council determines the policy for the town and is responsible for setting the budget. I know a number of local councillors and I believe that the vast majority of them (from both parties) are there for the right reasons - ie helping the people of Great Yarmouth. However, the majority of them are also over 50 - there are not many people on the council who can relate to (or represent) the younger people of the borough. A few years ago, the council made the decision to hold council meetings in the evenings, to attempt to make it more accessible for people who are not retired or unemployed to attend meetings. This has worked to a certain extent, but probably not enough I have become involved with community projects in the last few years. I was chairman of Friends of St Georges Park which was a community group set up to give a community voice for the regeneration of St Georges Park. I believe that the park is now in great shape and I feel privileged that I was a part of the group that was responsible. I was also chariman of KIN (Key Individual Network). This was a committee that was put together by the local police to help set priorities for the local community. I also did a project called WorkWise with the local Chamber of Commerce - this was a 2 day course for year 9 students of Oriel School. I have also helped out at schools in Norwich and Lowestoft.
UPDATE I did not win my seat, but did help in the campaign of getting Brandon Lewis elected. Hopefully I will be able to stand again in the future. |