On December 12, voters in Bushey and Radlett will elect a new MP for Hertsmere.
MyLocalNews asked each candidate four questions to help you make up your mind.
Oliver Dowden, Conservative Party
Why should people in Bushey/Radlett vote for you?
Hertsmere is my home. I live locally with my wife and two children. As Hertsmere’s MP for the past four years I used my skills and experiences to stand up for our interests. I managed to get Oyster extended to Radlett. I’ve supported all our communities, and have fought against all forms of racism including anti-Semitism. I persuaded the then Prime Minister to break the ground of the new Haveli at Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple.
What’s the first thing you will do if elected?
Locally, I will continue my campaigns to increase the number of good places in our schools, secure a better deal for hard pressed commuters; and I will keep defending our community by being a strong voice in Parliament against anti-Semitism. I will also maintain my vigorous opposition to the construction of a disruptive and completely unnecessary rail freight terminal near Radlett.
If you win, where will Bushey/Radlett be in four years’ time?
I want to preserve and enhance the things that make our area such a special place to live, enjoying the best of both worlds by being so close to London yet having beautiful countryside on our doorstep. That means protecting important community spaces like Bushey Country Club and Aldenham Reservoir. I want to deliver better services and infrastructure for residents, particularly from Bushey Station, which I know has been particularly bad recently.
Where do you stand on Brexit?
I’m supporting the Prime Minister’s deal. I stood on a pledge to deliver Brexit in 2017 and will do so again. The overwhelming feeling I get from residents is that they’re sick of talking about Brexit for the past three years and just want us to get on with it. I think it is very important though that we leave with a deal.
Holly Kal-Weiss, Labour Party
Why should people in Bushey vote for you?
As a social worker who subsequently trained to teach, I have a deep understanding of people and the issues they face. I can bring communities and groups together to solve problems and Parliament needs diversity that reflects our community
What’s the first thing you will do if elected?
Develop new green technology and transport links; Find a long-term solution to the Country Club; Solve our affordable housing shortage without destroying the green belt; Tackle lack of GP surgeries and need for youth and education services.
If you win, where will Bushey be in four years’ time?
Improved transport accessibility for work, leisure and education opportunities. Bushey will have its green spaces preserved and tackling the climate crisis will be well underway. Our housing will have more sustainable heating sources. Development will be carefully thought out and services will keep pace with population growth. Labour’s plans for schools, health and social care will provide a healthier population.
Where do you stand on Brexit?
We must deliver a Brexit withdrawal agreement because our democracy depends on it. My future vote would very much depend on what the Labour Brexit team were able to negotiate. I will always vote in the best interests of the United Kingdom.
Stephen Barrett, Liberal Democrats
Why should people in Bushey/Radlett vote for you?
Because only the Liberal Democrats see a bright future for the UK within Europe, and we will spend the £50 billion Remain bonus on public services and tackling inequality.
What’s the first thing you will do if elected?
After stopping Brexit my priority is education: we want to give every child the best start in life by recruiting 20,000 more teachers as part of an extra £10 billion a year for schools.
If you win, where will Bushey/Radlett be in four years’ time?
We will be well on our way to tackling the climate emergency by generating 80 per cent of our electricity from renewables by 2030 and insulating all low-income homes by 2025.
Where do you stand on Brexit?
I want to stay in the European Union because together we are more powerful, stronger, richer and safer. A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to stay in the EU.
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