AS polling stations across the city get set to open, the Observer asked all of the candidates aiming to be Worcester’s next MP ten questions about themselves and their hopes.
JAMES GOAD – UKIP
1. If you had a £1million windfall to spend on one thing in your constituency, what would it be?
A multi-storey car park in St Johns, within or adjacent to the university campus. This would be made free for student use and thereby alleviate the street parking problems at term-time
2. If you were to go for an evening out in Worcester, where would you go and why?
The cinema – I do like a good film – serious drama mostly
3. Describe Worcester in three (non-political) words.
Attractive, Historic, Potential
4. What three words would best describe you and your personality?
Committed, Understanding, Open-minded
5. Which actor would you get to play you in a film?
A complete unknown on the verge of breaking through
6. If you are successful in your quest, what would be the first song you would play at the victory party?
We Care a Lot – Faith No More
7. What do you see as the one biggest issue which concerns residents in Worcester?
Traffic congestion
8. What do you consider to be the ‘jewel in Worcester’s crown’ and why?
The Cathedral along with the historic core of the city – a unique resource with amazing history and one which should be promoted more than it is to attract more visitors to our city
9. If you were going to film a party election broadcast, where in Worcester would you film it and why?
In my neighbourhood – Warndon (the older 1960’s housing estate, not Warndon Villages). The area has a lot of social housing and is also home to working persons who would benefit from a UKIP government in terms of tax reliefs, health, social care and family policies
10. In no more than 20 words, state why the people of Worcester should vote for you.
UKIP provide the only alternative to a future within a European Superstate and a star on someone else’s flag
PETE MCNALLY – TRADE UNIONIST AND SOCIALIST COALITION
1. If you had a £1million windfall to spend on one thing in your constituency, what would it be?
Fund and staffing for an office for campaigning groups
2. If you were to go for an evening out in Worcester, where would you go and why?
Benedictos for food, the Plough and Cardinals Hat for beer
3. Describe Worcester in three (non-political) words.
Busy, colourful, sporty
4. What three words would best describe you and your personality?
Determined, funny, bossy
5. Which actor would you get to play you in a film?
Daniel Mays
6. If you are successful in your quest, what would be the first song you would play at the victory party?
Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed
7. What do you see as the one biggest issue which concerns residents in Worcester?
The state of the NHS
8. What do you consider to be the ‘jewel in Worcester’s crown’ and why?
The river, for relaxation
9. If you were going to film a party election broadcast, where in Worcester would you film it and why?
At the university to try to engage young people
10. In no more than 20 words, state why the people of Worcester should vote for you.
I am a working class trade unionist and socialist, if elected I will live on a workers wage
MARK SHUKER – INDEPENDENT
1. If you had a £1million windfall to spend on one thing in your constituency, what would it be?
I would look to start up a small manufacturing outlet. Low – medium skilled work those who want or need it. And some security for myself.
2. If you were to go for an evening out in Worcester, where would you go and why?
I think these days a great night out in Worcester for me, would be going to a cinema and a curry before heading home.
3. Describe Worcester in three (non-political) words.
Historical, authentic, home.
4. What three words would best describe you and your personality?
Serious, joker, practical.
5. Which actor would you get to play you in a film?
Tom Cruise.
6. If you are successful in your quest, what would be the first song you would play at the victory party?
DJ Fresh Louder.
7. What do you see as the one biggest issue which concerns residents in Worcester?
Low to medium level practical jobs, creating a more competitive liveable wage to those who want to step onto the ladder.
8. What do you consider to be the ‘jewel in Worcester’s crown’ and why?
The City is in the Jewel in the Crown, one of the main places to shape the modern world. But looking at the Malvern’s from Fort Royal is a pleasure.
9. If you were going to film a party election broadcast, where in Worcester would you film it and why?
Outside M&S because it seems a popular spot. And like previously said I have my own brand of humour.
10. In no more than 20 words, state why the people of Worcester should vote for you.
I’m not campaigning for Political gain of any Party. I want to put Worcester where it belongs in the World.
FEDERICA SMITH – LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
1. If you had a £1million windfall to spend on one thing in your constituency, what would it be?
I would put it towards an A+E upgrade at the hospital.
2. If you were to go for an evening out in Worcester, where would you go and why?
I would return to the Cap and Gown on a Monday evening, where they are now looking to host discussions on certain subjects as they have been politically engaged over the last 10 weeks. A great atmosphere, great drink and a friendly landlord.
3. Describe Worcester in three (non-political) words.
Beautiful, engaging and prosperous
4. What three words would best describe you and your personality?
Hardworking, Determined and Approachable
5. Which actor would you get to play you in a film?
Anne Hathaway
6. If you are successful in your quest, what would be the first song you would play at the victory party?
Time of my life – Dirty Dancing Theme tune (My favourite song)
7. What do you see as the one biggest issue which concerns residents in Worcester?
The availability and accessibility of NHS services within the constituency
8. What do you consider to be the ‘jewel in Worcester’s crown’ and why?
Its heritage and the tourism that can be generated from this. The city has many iconic buildings and a great history that can be used as an asset to attract people to the city both for investment and to visit.
9. If you were going to film a party election broadcast, where in Worcester would you film it and why?
I would film it at Worcester Woods Country Park, which is a beautiful setting and enjoyed by individuals, families, young people and the elderly who all of the people that i want to represent.
10. In no more than 20 words, state why the people of Worcester should vote for you.
I am a hardworking passionate person and I want to represent you with my Liberal and Democratic values providing fairness and equality for all.
JOY SQUIRES – LABOUR
1. If you had £1million to spend on one thing in your constituency what would it be?
I wouldn’t dream of making such a decision without asking Worcester people what their priority would be. My guess is that tackling congestion and residential parking would be top of their list.
2. If you were going for an evening out in Worcester, where would you go and why?
My ‘local’ in Lansdowne Road, The Chestnut, has a great range of real ale and fabulous live bands – the perfect combination for a good night out.
3. Describe Worcester in three (non-political) words.
Beautiful, interesting, vibrant
4. What three words would best describe you and your personality?
Caring, Cheerful, Enthusiastic
5. Which actor would you get to play you in a film?
Meryl Streep
6. If you are successful in your quest, what would be the first song you would play at your victory party?
‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams
7. What do you see as the biggest issue which concerns residents in Worcester?
The NHS is the issue coming up most on the doorstep. There’s a real concern that the basics of the NHS – like getting to see a GP and problems at A&E – are getting worse and that the whole NHS is going downhill.
8. What do you consider to be the ‘jewel in Worcester’s crown’ and why?
Worcester has a fascinating mix of important historical buildings that have played a key role in shaping Britain’s past – like The Commandery and Cathedral – and iconic new buildings putting Worcester on the map in the 21st Century, like The Hive. But in terms of the sheer beauty of the building, inside and out, I would choose The Guildhall.
9. If you were going to film a party political election broadcast, where in Worcester would you film it and why?
My broadcast would feature the contrast between a prosperous-looking Worcester, with the backdrop of the river and Cathedral and High Street shops, and the reality of life for many in the city, speaking to people in Worcester’s neighbourhoods.
10. In no more than 20 words, state why the people of Worcester should vote for you.
As a Labour MP I will put people first, creating a better, fairer Worcester where nobody is left behind.
LOUIS STEPHEN – GREEN PARTY
1. If you had a £1million windfall to spend on one thing in your constituency, what would it be?
It would provide a kick-start to finance some socially affordable homes and flats within the city.
2. If you were to go for an evening out in Worcester, where would you go and why?
I would go for a meal with my family at Chester’s Mexican, it’s a chilled venue, spicy food and has the biggest Veggie and Vegan menu in Worcester.
3. Describe Worcester in three (non-political) words.
Historic, friendly and tolerant.
4. What three words would best describe you and your personality?
Reflective, questioning and optimistic.
5. Which actor would you get to play you in a film?
Benedict Cumberbatch
6. If you are successful in your quest, what would be the first song you would play at the victory party?
Starlight by Muse
7. What do you see as the one biggest issue which concerns residents in Worcester?
Affordable housing
8. What do you consider to be the ‘jewel in Worcester’s crown’ and why?
Friar Street – beautiful street with old wooden beams. A sense of history helps to remind us how far we have come and our place in the world.
9. If you were going to film a party election broadcast, where in Worcester would you film it and why?
Fort Royal Park with the Cathedral in background. Of course this place was central to the Battle of Worcester where the tide of democracy was turned in favour of the Parliamentarians. In the words of John Adams future US president: ” And do Englishmen so soon forget the ground where liberty was fought for?”. We could do with bit more democracy in this country.
10. In no more than 20 words, state why the people of Worcester should vote for you.
Railways back in public hands, scrap Trident, invest in schools and hospitals, resist austerity, free social care for the elderly.
ROBIN WALKER – CONSERVATIVE
1. If you had a £1million windfall to spend on one thing in your constituency, what would it be?
Backing local charities but there are so many brilliant charities in Worcester that it would be invidious to give all of such a windfall to any one of them. I am a supporter of our hospices Acorns & St Richards, who do incredible work for people in the most difficult circumstances, if £1million came my way I would give them each £100,000, put a further £100,000 each into St Pauls Hostel, the Worcestershire Breast Unit, New Hope, the Worcester Volunteer Centre & Sight Concern and invest the rest in helping young people to get into business
2. If you were to go for an evening out in Worcester, where would you go and why?
To see a show at the Swan Theatre which has such a variety of brilliant performances, for a pre theatre meal at Benedicto’s restaurant where there is always a warm welcome and maybe a quick drink in one of the city’s many excellent pubs. Of course if the Warriors were playing on a Friday night then I would have to be there.
3. Describe Worcester in three (non-political) words.
Vibrant, historic, sporty
4. What three words would best describe you and your personality?
Caring, energetic & talkative
5. Which actor would you get to play you in a film?
No idea but I’m told I look a bit like the bloke on ITV in the mornings!
6. If you are successful in your quest, what would be the first song you would play at the victory party?
Nimrod from Elgar’s Enigma Variations, I always think of it as the quintessential Worcester tune and we had it played at both my father’s funeral and at my wedding so it means a lot to me.
7. What do you see as the one biggest issue which concerns residents in Worcester?
There are always a huge range of issues and it really isnt possible to reduce it to one, but traffic is one of the most consistent to come up as a complaint and opportunities for young people the most crucial challenge for the future.
8. What do you consider to be the ‘jewel in Worcester’s crown’ and why?
Our amazing sporting and cultural offer – I think we have so much to offer and punch way above our weight in these fields which is a real strength of the city & something to build on
9. If you were going to film a party election broadcast, where in Worcester would you film it and why?
In front of the Cathedral as it is the classic image of Worcester, at New Road, Sixways and the Worcester Arena to show our sporting strengths, at local businesses ranging from the high street to our great engineering & IT companies to show the modern business community that is thriving in Worcester and at the Hive, the new Worcestershire Oncology Centre or the new HOW College skills centre to show how the city has been improving and embracing regneration as well as innovation.
10. In no more than 20 words, state why the people of Worcester should vote for you.
I am ambitious for Worcester, back more jobs, apprenticeships, investment and will always fight for our NHS & Schools.
