Dear resident,
You will have received a number of leaflets from candidates at this election. However, on polling day I wanted to write to you directly to explain why this election is so important, and why Bradford is so important to me.
I understand that people feel let down by politics and politicians, and tired of broken promises. That’s why over the last few months I’ve been out meeting as many residents as possible rather than putting up posters and putting leaflets through doors. I know leaflets and speeches are no longer enough, so I’ve been out with local residents and Conservative council candidates, doing hnds-on things that make a real difference throughout the constituency – such as cleaning up streets in Great Horton and parks in Queensbury, working on plans for Odsal with residents and dealing with litter in Wibsey and pot holes in Wyke. You shouldn’t have to rely on promises, you should be able to see your future MP in action in your community and meet him face to face. That’s what I’ve tried to do. If we haven’t met yet please get in touch, I will be happy to talk to you.
I know your expect a lot from your MP, and you have a right to honesty. That’s not just honesty about tough issues like immigration and the economy, but honesty about politics, too. That’s why I’m making it clear right now – if you elect me I will only claim for expenses I’ve actually incurred in doing the job and will post the lot online, backed up with receipts. I won’t claim £400 a month for food just because I can, and I’ll be straight with you from day one.
You have a right to someone who will stand up for your interests, not tell you why things can’t be done. That’s why I’ve said I will live in the constituency if elected, not in Bingley like the current MP. What’s good enough for you is good enough for me and my family. Only by living locally and sharing the issues you face can I represent you properly.
You have a right to seen results. We can’t afford to let things slide. I know that some issues, such as Broadway, are caught up in global problems that will be tough to solve, but there are answers. It’s time to sort out our city centre, and if elected I will seek an immediate meeting with the Prime Minister to kick-start progress. Hopefully that will be David Cameron – Conservative Policy on regeneration is built on work I led for the Cities Task Force, when I brought David to Bradford to see the problems first hand. Our proposals will get things moving, and I’ll work with colleagues of all parties to deliver the jobs and investment we need.
It’s time politicians took people seriously and faced up to the difficult issues. That’s why I’m not just talking about investing in the NHS, which everyone supports – I’m determined to deal with the tough stuff too.
On the economy, we all know that when times are tough at home you have to cut back on extra spending or earn more money to balance the household books. That’s what we need to do as country too. It won’t be easy, but we can do it. Too many people here in Bradford know the cost of rising debt, and we all know we can’t borrow our way out of it, even if that’t what Gordon Brown would like to do. In a few years we’ll be spending more money on debt interest than on education. That’s just not right, and we can’t let it happen.
On immigration, we’ve heard the economic arguments but we also see every day the impact on our communities when immigration is out of control. I support the Conservative plans for a proper border force, and a controlled reduction in immigration. We can do that to, and do it fairly for all.
On crime, it’s time to deal with the day to day crimes and bad behaviour that put fear in our communities. We also need to end early release and make sure real criminals are tried and convicted, not released back into the community. Too many people are scared to report criminals for fear of retaliation. That’s wrong.
You may have received a very negative leaflet from the Labour MP complaining about the state of our city and our country, and blaming the Conservatives for everything. I say it’s time to stop complaining and do something about it. I say it’s time to stop laying blame and time to take responsbility for our future.
Bradford can be an amazing city. There is plenty of work to do, but we can do it together – we just need to start. We can deliver regeneration in the City Centre. We can deliver new investment and new jobs. We can and will deliver Broadway and a City Centre we can be proud of.
I’m proud of our city and our country, and I want to work with you to make it better. I do hope you take the time to vote at this election, and if you do choose to support me – thank you.
