Why an independent and local is best

I have decided to stand as an independent due to the fact that I do not want to affiliate myself with a party, believing that MPs often lose sight of their purpose of representing the people because they become too involved in the corruption of their party’s power – look at Hoon and Hewitt’s attempt of a coup to oust their own leader Gordon Brown at the beginning of this year.

As MP I want to do what is in the best interest for my constituency, not for a party. As MP I will be the gateway to the House of Commons and it ismy job to represent and voice the opinions of the people. Few  MPs seem to actually do this. For this reason, I encourage the constituents to voice their opinions regarding Gravesham and what they want me as their MP to do for them.

I am not right wing, nor left. I will remain neutral and independent, listening  to the voice and opinions of my constituents. Together, we can create a set of policies to benefit the majority of Gravesend.

I have also been endorsed by the Independent Network, a non profit organisation that promotes the benefits of voting for independents. The Independent Network does not dictate policies to candidates, however, they do advocate that those endorsed follow the Bell Principals (formulated by Martin Bell), guidance for courteous behaviour and integrity. The Bell Principals include making decisions transparent, consulting the community, treating opponents with respect and resisting abuses of power and patronage. Whilst this seems quite standard for any candidate and MP to follow, it seems that politics has lost its way so greatly that is has taken a set of written guidelines to reinforce these basic needs. look at www.independentnetwork.org.uk

Here are a few more social and political reasons why Alice Sakura Dartnell, as a local Gravesendian and an independent is best for Gravesham...

      I have lived in Gravesend all my life, with all my family and friends based in Gravesham too. Thus I know what it is really like for the residents of the area, and what really is in their best interests.

      I have had a fairly normal upbringing, with no great advantage of wealth or political contacts. I am relatable to the average person in Gravesham.

      As I have no party, I will not have a party whip to push me into voting for issues I, or the constituency, do not want. My loyalty lies with Gravesham and the people, not a party leader.

      I am honest and open, with nothing to hide. I will do what most politicians don’t, and that is answer the question being asked, without ‘ umming’ and ‘ahhing’ and thinking ways around the question.

      I was state educated (unlike most MPs or their children) thus have firsthand experience of how the education system does and does not work! The improvements I am looking into regarding education will benefit the average person.

      The average age in the House of Commons is 50. Whilst in today’s modern age, this is not old, due to their upbringing it means that the current MPs are out of touch with today’s thinking. I am 23, and am in touch with modern society, and with the younger generations of under 30s whose voice is often not heard in politics. Approximately 40% of the Gravesham’s population is below the age of 30, which is a big percentage to go unheard. However I do also appreciate the concerns of the older generations and encourage them too, to voice their opinions and desires for Gravesham through me.