17 July 2007

It’s time for a change

The new Tory talks about how things would be different if he were Ealing Southall's MP

I’ve worked in Ealing and Southall for years. I care deeply about the area, and I know the problems people face – crime, drugs, congestion and litter on the streets. As a businessman and as a volunteer for Southall Regeneration Partnership, I have a track record of taking action and delivering improvements. Now I want to use that experience to deliver as the local MP.

However, there’s a small obstacle to overcome. Labour have held this constituency since 1945; it has the largest number of Labour Party members of any constituency in the country; and until last year, Ealing council had been run by Labour for past 12 years.

But the truth is, Labour have taken Ealing and Southall for granted. They’ve delivered little, if anything, for people here. This area desperately needs an energetic MP who will stand up for them in Parliament, represent their views and work with the Conservative Council to deliver better public services, cut crime and ease congestion. I want to be that local MP.

I have made these election pledges. As Ealing Southall’s MP, I will: oppose Labour’s tram and campaign for Crossrail to cut congestion; work with the Council to clear up fly-tipping and rubbish to make our streets cleaner; and crack down on drug dealers, help addicts off drugs into work, and fight for more police on our streets.

Last year, a Conservative Council was elected in Ealing. Already, it has delivered massive improvements, in spite of Labour and Lib Dem opposition – 50 more Community Police Officers, cleaner streets and the lowest council tax rise for 13 years. But, with a Conservative MP, we could achieve even more.

As a dad, I know that nothing is more important to our children’s future than their health and education. So I will campaign for a return of the seven local doctors cut last year, and the return of £25 million taken from Ealing health services by the Labour Government. We should invest that money in local services.

Every child should be able to read, write and add up when they leave primary school. So I will campaign for more classroom time on these essential skills.

It’s time for a change. Labour have taken local people for granted for too long. I believe I have the energy, dynamism and local experience to stand up for people in Ealing and Southall, to make a difference for all our communities.