As MP there are some personal policies that I will follow to ensure that I am providing the best service to the people. They will  act as ‘checks’ that the people can use to scrutinise me to   make certain that I am keeping to my word. I am putting these in place to  ensure that I am doing my best to fulfil my position as MP, which is  something I feel many MPs do not do, thus quickly lose sight of  their purpose.

     I will be an MP who is more ‘hands on’ than current MPs. I want to include all members of the community when making decisions about Gravesham. I will hold regular focus groups and ‘think tanks’ made up with local community members from all walks of life to get an all round perspective of Gravesham - from policeman to youth offenders, the elderly to teenage mums, from business owners to unemployed. Think tanks and advisors to existing MPs are executives, experts and academics in their field. Whilst I believe it is important to have such people when brainstorming and discussing policies and issues, I also know that the best policies and management is made up of ideas from those with expertise in the field, mixed with those with shop floor practice. It is also healthy to include people that oppose the ideas to have an input of the potential negatives and problems that may surround an idea, as nothing is ever perfect and there are always two sides to a story, at least! If we can understand the arising problems before they become too evident, then maybe we can prevent them and save money and our trouble in the long run.

      I want the public to be able to trust me, and know that I will not sacrifice policies that are of benefit to the people in favour of climbing the political career ladder or becoming another yes man dictated to by the party whip. For this reason, I am standing as an independent.

       I will not speak in political jargon in order to confuse the public like current MPs seem to do. Instead, I will use everyday language and conversational tone.

      Reports show that an average of 55% of people do not know who their MP is! How can MPs be truly represent of the people if they do not even know who you are!!! I will make sure I am well known and advertised so that the entire constituency know who their MP now is, and how to contact me easily to voice your opinions. I will use popular media such as facebook too as many people have a profile on the site, thus can easily add me and voice their opinions on my wall or via a message.

       I will publicly display my expenses on internet to avoid another MP scandal. Unlike a number of MPs I will not expect the tax payer to pay for my second mortgage or the £20,000 repairs to my bell tower or house I do not live at!

      I want people to feel that they could come up to me at any point, either to brainstorm an ideas with me or for just a friendly chat. I’ve always prided myself on my down to earth nature, knowing people are not intimidated by me and feel they can say anything to me for I won’t judge. For me, this is how a politician should be, whereas the ones currently sitting in the House of Commons seem in elite of their own, unaware sometimes of our existence.