Bolsover’s five Parliamentary candidates for the General Election have been working on the campaign trail to become the constituency’s MP and here are some of their reflections and plans for the area.
The 2024 General Election is being fought on the economy, immigration and the NHS among other issues and voters will be able to cast their votes between 7am and 10pm, on July 4, at polling booths across Derbyshire and Bolsover’s candidates have been outlining their hopes.
Bolsover’s candidates include the previous term’s Conservative MP Mark Fletcher who was first elected in 2019 after he toppled Labour MP and Bolsover stalwart Dennis Skinner who had reigned since 1970.
Other candidates for the Bolsover constituency include Labour’s Natalie Fleet, Liberal Democrat David Hancock, the Green Party’s David Kesteven and Reform UK’s Robert Reaney.
Conservative Mark Fletcher said:”It has been the greatest honour of my life to be the MP for Bolsover, representing these communities.
“Communities that I love and try to make our area better. Whether it’s bringing a sixth form back to our community, whether it’s getting £15m to Level Up our High Streets and in particular Bolsover town centre.
“Whether it’s the 351 new police officers that we have across Derbyshire or whether it’s getting us through a once in a generation, once in a century, pandemic.
“I have been so proud to be on those green benches working for the people of Bolsover.
“We have done so much together. I will be standing for re-election and I hope I will get your support because our communities deserve something more.”
Labour’s Natalie Fleet, who previously stood as the Labour candidate for Ashfield at the 2019 election, said: “I’m standing to be our first woman MP to see our area thrive.
“I’ll be visible and accessible; once again our local voice in Westminster, never the other way around.
“I’ll give our communities a seat at the table of the next Labour government, fighting for our area from the inside.
“As your MP, I’ll fight local campaigns on issues like improvements at Junctions 28 and 29, better bus routes across our area, such as the one between Clowne and the Royal Chesterfield Hospital, and investment in our town centres.
“The next Labour government will tackle the cost of living crisis, cut NHS waiting times, launch a Border Security Command, crack down on antisocial behaviour, deliver free breakfast clubs in every primary school across our area, and give ex-miners justice over their pensions.
“Change will only come if you vote for it. Vote for change. Vote Labour Thursday, July 4.”
Reform UK’s Robert Reaney stated his key priorities, if elected, are: Tax breaks – £ 2,000 per annum better off at a basic level; Greater communication, transparency and accountability at council levels; More money via better jobs, higher quality training and education, enterprise zones and some fresh thinking, looking at the industries that are still vibrant, such as leisure, tourism, heritage, technology, logistics and focus in on how to maximise them locally; Help ‘the kids’ get on housing ladders, reduce educational debts, have greater work opportunities and be far more engaged in both the community and the debates that shape the future.
And Mr Reaney is also concerned about the countryside which he says is torn between mass housing developments, environmental concerns, wildlife issues, energy provision requirements and good old farming which he believes seems to be at the end of the queue.
Liberal Democrat David Hancock has said: “I’m currently in my third term as a district councillor at North East Derbyshire District Council and, on an even more local level, in my second term as a parish councillor for Wingerworth and my fourth as a parish councillor for Tupton.
“I’m Derbyshire born and bred. I grew up in a council house to working class parents. My late father was a bricklayer and mum a cleaner.
“I left school straight after my O-levels and I’ve worked ever since. It’s an upbringing I’m proud of.
“I grew up in a community that shaped me into the person I am – to respect everyone, no matter what their background, financial status or education.”
The Green Party’s David Kesteven has stated on his Facebook page that the Green Party is completely different from other political parties on climate change, the economy and foreign policy.
He fears climate change is happening fast and it is the most important issue and it needs solving but he claims other parties are not interested.
He also argued that the economy is being run on ‘neo-liberal grounds’ with natural assets being hived-off.
Mr Kesteven stressed the Green Party is pacifist and that the UK should not be fuelling conflicts abroad and money should be saved by staying within our own boundaries and by calling for immediate ceasefires.
He claimed the Green Party will tackle climate change, restructure the economy and have a non-aggressive foreign policy.
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High Peak’s five Parliamentary candidates have been campaigning during the General Election build-up to become the constituency’s MP and here are some of their hopes and plans for the rural Derbyshire area.
The 2024 General Election is being fought on the economy, immigration and the NHS among other issues and voters will be able to cast their votes on July 4 at polling booths across Derbyshire and the High Peak’s candidates have been outlining their hopes.
High Peak’s recent MP, Conservative Robert Largan who was elected in 2019, is standing against Labour’s Jon Pearce, Liberal Democrat Peter Hirst, Reform UK’s Catherine Cullen, and the Green Party’s Joanna Collins.
Conservative Mr Largan, who lives in Glossop, has stated on his website how he has made improvements across the High Peak during his time as an MP.
He added that these improvements include supporting better access to health care by campaigning to reinstate a breast cancer unit and helping to open two new mental health units while backing the construction of urgent care centres at Stepping Hill Hospital and Tameside Hospital.
Mr Largan says he has also supported schools and families, helped upgrade railway lines, secured more police officers, and helped to bring in upgraded broadband and mobile phone coverage.
He has also stated that he has helped to deliver jobs and apprenticeships and says he wants to help high streets and business, wants to secure investment for roads and buses and he has expressed support for ‘stopping the boats’ to address immigration concerns.
Labour’s Jon Pearce said: “I am Derbyshire born and bred. I live in Hope Valley with my young family. Fourteen years of chaos and economic incompetence under the Conservatives have hit High Peak hard.
“We will tackle the cost-of-living crisis by creating GB Energy, a clean power company, that will permanently cut energy bills. Labour will rebuild our public services – with a local GP or dentist when you need one. We will recruit more teachers for our schools and take back control of our buses and trains.
“We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country but our rivers are some of the worst polluted. I will hold the local water companies to account – banning their bonuses and making them criminally liable.
“I will be a hard-working MP, supporting local people with their campaigns like extending free bus travel for our young people and saving Gamesley Community Centre.”
Liberal Democrat Peter Hirst has stated on his website: “It is a lovely constituency, full of interesting towns and of course the peaks. I have enjoyed climbing Kinder Scout since being at Manchester University in the seventies. I am married with one daughter and two grandsons.
“I am medically qualified and understand the challenges of obtaining good quality medical care in a timely manner living in beautiful countryside.
“The important issues in this election are the cost of living crisis, our economy since leaving the EU, education and the environment. Our youth deserve a better deal and our Party should once again become that of education, empowerment and community.
“If you elect me, I will do my best to represent everyone in the constituency. Rural areas deserve more investment in infrastructure and better support for those struggling to make ends meet. Rural industries also need improved connectivity and access to finance when needed.
“Now is also the time to alter our method of voting to a proportional system that enhances vote choice. Never again should people have to vote tactically or have someone elected on less than half the vote.”
The Green Party’s Joanna Collins said: “I’m the Green Party candidate for High Peak because I believe we need strong policies on climate change, nature and social issues.
“I hope to see our moorlands restored and farmers supported so they can continue their work to protect our environment and slow climate change.
“I’d like to see far more low carbon social housing developed, with solar panels on roofs, and affordable, reliable public transport connecting our towns and villages, along with provision for walking and cycling.
“Green Party policies would make our area more equal, with rises in benefits and the minimum wage and an education system which means our schools can help every child reach their potential without pressure to succeed academically.
“Funding for GPs, dentists and social care will help everyone live healthier lives. I hope to see these policies put into practice to make High Peak a greener, fairer place for everyone.”
Reform UK’s Catherine Cullen has stated on the Reform UK’s website: “I’m delighted to have been selected to represent High Peak for Reform UK. I was born to Irish parents in London, raised in Greater Manchester and have lived in New Mills in the High Peak for the last four years with my husband James. I am the proud mum of two daughters and have six grandchildren.
“Before settling in New Mills, I spent a year in Glossop, and prior to that I have lived in Ireland, Devon and Spain. I trained as a chef under Manpower in Oldham and later as a classical singer. I am also a competent electrician. My interest in politics is long-standing and I have voted for both the Labour and Conservative parties at different general elections.
“However, like many others, I have decided to back Reform UK because I truly believe we are the party that puts the country first. Forget the infighting and back-biting of the Westminster bubble – we want to be the voice of the electorate, and campaign on issues that matter to you, our valued voters.
“If you vote for me, High Peak will have a voice in Westminster, and I will do my utmost to protect what we have and fight for what we need.”
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Derbyshire Dales seven Parliamentary candidates during the forthcoming General Election have been campaigning to become the constituency’s MP and here are some of their reflections and plans for the area.
The 2024 General Election is being fought on the economy, immigration and the NHS among other issues and voters will be able to cast their votes on July 4 at polling booths across Derbyshire and the Derbyshire Dales candidates have been outlining their hopes.
Derbyshire Dales’ candidates include the previous term’s Conservative MP Sarah Dines alongside Labour’s John Whitby, Liberal Democrat Robert Court, Independent Rachel Elnaugh-Love, the Green Party’s Kelda Boothroyd, Reform UK’s Edward Oakenfull, and the True and Fair Party’s Helen Wetherall.
Conservative Sarah Dines was elected as Member of Parliament for the Derbyshire Dales constituency in the 2019 General Election.
Ms Dines said: “Derbyshire Dales is in my opinion the best place to live, work and raise a family and I feel incredibly lucky that I get to call this area home.
“I have proved that with hard work and determination improvements can be made. From getting flood defences sorted in Matlock, to fighting for a Banking Hub, getting progress on the Ashbourne Relief Road, to bringing in millions in Levelling Up investments for our area – I have made it my business to find common-sense solutions to local problems.
“I believe in tough action on immigration, I know what a woman is, and I support our farmers, including our meat and dairy industry. I believe in straight-talking common-sense action and in me, the silent majority have a champion who is not afraid to say it, just how it is.
“No matter the local issue, I have rolled up my sleeves and stood shoulder to shoulder with residents and I would be honoured if they continued to put their trust in me again on the fourth [of] July.”
Labour’s John Whitby said: “I am a former singer of a professional rock band, I’ve been a civil servant, a foster carer for 24 years and I am currently the lead member for children’s services at Derby City Council. I was the Mayor of Derby in 2017/18.
“My priorities for the constituency will be lead by the what constituents are asking for and I am regularly being asked to deliver more protection for the environment, more housing and in particular, affordable housing, as young people are having to move a considerable distance to find accommodation and better support for our children.
“There is widespread concern for the state of the NHS and Labour will reduce the waiting lists with 40,000 more appointments a week. I will also try and bring a banking hub to Bakewell following the closure of its last high street bank.”
Liberal Democrat Robert Court said: “Rural communities need to be sustainable, with services which work for everyone.
“Young families must have affordable housing, so that schools and local businesses can flourish.
“We would look for a sensible balance between places to live and tourist
accommodation. New houses are needed in appropriate locations with services like doctors’ surgeries and transport links to support them.
“The farming community deserve certainty enabling them to plan their businesses, while being supported to help them provide food security and act as guardians of the environment.
“It has become much too difficult to see a GP quickly in emergencies and to have access to an NHS dentist within a reasonable distance. Training and retaining new GPs and reforming NHS dentistry will over time solve these problems, while also taking pressure off hard-pressed hospitals.
“Let’s have our water free from the disgrace of sewage dumping. Turn water
companies into public benefit companies.”
Reform UK’s Edward Oakenfull said: “I am the Reform candidate for Derbyshire Dales.
“Our country is a mess with record taxes, over reaching government, completely open borders and Net Zero policies which are making us all poorer and colder in winter.
“All the main tired old parties believe in more of the same of these damaging policies. Reform are offering the people a genuine choice.
“I am from a business background and will be doing all I can to get elected to change things for the benefit of the people. ”
The True and Fair Party’s Helen Wetherall said The True and Fair party has a
manifesto containing innovative, creative ideas to energise the country.
She added her party believes that key to ‘our future’ is economic renewal and investment in physical and social infrastructure.
Ms Wetherall says this will be achieved through stability, confident, competent leadership and strategic thinking including re-establishing strong, easy trading relationships with the biggest market in the world – Europe.
She added her party believes in a much greater focus on well-being and keeping people well, not waiting to treat them when they are ill, as well as better government and governance with new ethics rules and robustly holding MPs to account.
Ms Wetherall believes democracy should be modernised with fair voting by removing the ‘first past the post’ system while fighting corruption and ensuring better standards in public life with a critical synergy between health and well-being, education and the economy.
Independent Rachel Elnaugh-Love said: “Are you sick and tired of politics and politicians?
“We’ve had decades of the baton passing from Red to Blue and back again in a never-ending Punch’n’Judy show.
“Yet the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. I’m one of 461 Independent candidates standing for election on July 4 to give you the choice of a representative in Parliament who can speak powerfully in the best interests of the people of Derbyshire Dales – not Big Corporate agendas.
“Locally, let’s support our farmers to thrive, embrace tourists and tourism by restoring the Railways and dramatically overhaul the planning system to create much needed affordable housing.
“Nationally, we have to reclaim control of our key essential industries from the Big Corporations – who are making bumper profits while we the people suffer from the cost-of-living crisis – heal the NHS and end our costly involvement with overseas wars.”
The Green Partry’s Kelda Boothroyd said: “I proudly live in the Derbyshire Dales with my young family. I serve you on the district council as the youngest councillor.
“My career is in public transport handling multi-million pound projects. I offer real hope and real change. I firmly believe things can, and must, be a whole lot better.
“Our manifesto is clear, costed and consistent, focusing on thriving communities. We must make bold changes to provide hope for the future.”
If elected, Ms Boothroyd has promised to: Restore the NHS; Renationalise water companies to can clean up rivers; Work with farmers to ensure food security and use nature to protect people from flooding; Invest in upgrading our homes, and helping families with their bills; And ensuring reliable public transport serves our communities.
Ms Boothroyd added: “I am driven by a single objective to make the world my child inherits fairer, healthier and better than the world we live in now.”
