I have the skills and experience needed to win back the seat, and to be an effective MP for the whole community, a confident advocate for local interests, with a compassionate commitment to helping people in need.
I worked for nearly three years for one of the most effective backbench MPs – Ann Clywd – I know what an MP can do to raise the profile of Rugby, and to fight injustice. I understand the way the House of Commons operates and what it takes to achieve results for constituents as well as engaging effectively central government.
I’ve shown in the Rugby council chamber and in meetings with stakeholders that I am an effective public speaker, able to challenge the Conservatives, explain a complicated policy issue and inspire people about an important cause such as youth engagement, or housing. I’m a caring politician and work hard to take up the cases of my constituents and secure results for them.
I’m an energetic and confident campaigner who enjoys knocking on doors talking to residents and engaging with them, whatever their political views. Recently I have been actively involved in writing much of the campaign literature recently and developing the strategy.
I have an innovative campaign strategy that has as its number one objective: to win this seat for Labour. The strategy will engage with the right audiences in the most compelling way. It will use the full range of campaign techniques to make sure that our positive vision for Rugby and the country is understood. It will aim to inspire both activists and supporters.
I understand the issues. As a Councillor I see first-hand how Tory cuts to public services and council budgets have impacted the most vulnerable in society, whose interests I am determined to defend. I have been our spokesperson on housing, and am now our spokesperson on infrastructure and the Local Plan. I was involved in formulating our political position as a Labour Group.
I try to be a good listener, and then I lead. I investigate issues through direct contact with the people concerned. I have accompanied the Community Wardens and Street Pastors on their shifts, attended numerous public events, and I organise community meetings with local police officers. I am also engaging with community activists such as the New Cross Fire campaigners and a young action sports community leader in my ward. I’ve set up organisations, led campaigns, led teams in difficult circumstances and have the leadership skills to bring the CLP together and lead a winning campaign.
Having been involved in national politics, I have a good understanding of key political issues and have always valued opportunities to air such issues as they arise. Through this, I have been able to develop innovative and practical ideas. As an MP I will seek to engage in policy making and bring my own and Rugby’s voice to the table.
I have the right approach for Rugby. At work and in politics, I get on with people no matter their background, age, or status may be. My approach is to bring people together, to persuade and to include people in the solution. In a marginal seat where a key priority will be to earn the trust of people who have previously been voting Conservative, my Together We Can approach will be vital.
I get things done. As a Councillor, I’ve secured concessions from the Tory administration on Houses in Multiple Occupation, on the need for a new Landlords’ Forum, and on the need for the council to consult our young people. I sit on the 6-strong Town Centre Regeneration Working Group where I am promoting Labour’s ideas such as more social housing, an indoor skate park, an innovation and entrepreneurs hub and better music and cultural venues. I’m currently working with my colleague Cllr Rob Barnett to bring together stakeholders to boost the live music scene. In 2011 I set up in my spare time the new policy forum Pragmatic Radicalism designed to stimulate policy debate by encouraging audience members to pitch policy ideas. This is my approach – Together We Can.
