PPC Profile: Jonathan Roberts

Full Name: Jonathan Roberts

Age: 27

From: Thirsk, North Yorkshire

PPC for: Thirsk & Malton

Website: www.jonathanroberts.org.uk

Selection Result: I won in the first round of voting.

Member of the Labour Party since: 2004

CV:
I was born in North Yorkshire in 1982, and raised in the small market town of Thirsk. I studied at Thirsk Comprehensive school before reading English Literature at Loughborough University. I now divide my time between the constituency and London, where I manage the Maritime UK coalition, which brings together the shipping, ports and maritime business sectors on key strategic and practical issues of joint interest.

Outside of work, I have a strong community interest. I am Chair of the board of Governors for a special school, which delivers outstanding education to children with severe autism (school places are funded by the LEA). My voluntary work includes fundraising for local charities, such as the excellent Thirsk Clock youth centre, and for national charities Help for Heroes and the British Red Cross. I have been on the national board of the Labour Movement for Europe since 2005 and am a proud member of Unite, who are sponsoring my candidacy.

I was inspired to go into politics because:
My parents have always been very active in the community, and I grew up understanding that it is my responsibility to take part in the world around me. I have always been fascinated, and often appalled, by the lottery of birth. Of course, we have no say as to the family we are born into, whether rich or poor, and we will never eradicate the fact that some will be born into a less fortunate life than others. But we can offer the right support to those who need it, giving them the opportunity to decide their own destiny. Labour values can, and do, make this happen, and I am proud that they form the basis of my campaign.

My main policy interests are:
Higher education, rural policy, defence, foreign affairs and issues affecting young people.

Three things I think should be in the next Labour manifesto:
1 – A chapter dedicated to the countryside that goes beyond paying lip service to the needs of rural and semi-rural communities.

Rural poverty is often overlooked, yet local services are being driven out of villages and many poor areas of small towns are missing the vital community support they need. These areas tend to be represented by Conservative MPs who, with respect to them, tend not to have the same level of passion as Labour does when sticking up for those struggling to get by, and less gets done as a result.

A clear direction for agriculture is vital too. Our farmers work extremely hard – often for not nearly as much profit as people believe – and yet if they are provided with a strong and fair business climate they can play a huge role in combating food shortages and the threat of climate change. The next Government needs to encourage people to buy locally and responsibly sourced produce, instead of importing it from far-flung countries, a move which will play a key role in meeting our ambitious CO2 targets whilst supporting rural employment at the same time.

The next Government should ensure all UK households benefit from the digital revolution, including those in isolated communities. Rural entrepreneurs and businesses are being held back from achieving their potential due to the length of time it is taking to upgrade our communications infrastructure. I welcome recent announcements from Lord Mandelson, but we are lagging behind other countries and our economic recovery will suffer should we not catch up soon.

2 – A military covenant fit for the 21st century, signed into law, stretching beyond its current remit to include a promise of first class education and training opportunities for veterans of major conflicts once they re-enter civilian life. The covenant should include a promise of psychological support to combat the rise in mental health issues amongst our retired servicemen and women.

3 – Reform of the nursing home system. Until recently, a close relative who suffers from Alzheimer’s was resident in a care home in North Yorkshire. In most cases the staff were everything you would wish for – caring, empathetic, respectful and professional. But the home was dirty, the food was appalling and if truth be told I do not want people living in those conditions. From those I have spoken to, it appears that my family’s experience is far from uncommon.

Care for the elderly is a complex subject, and I can’t tell you I have all the answers to the problems the system faces, but the Labour Government needs to build on its strong record of supporting the eldest generations by ensuring those who cannot live in their own homes see out their days with dignity.

People should vote for me because:
I have worked with residents to win significant victories on local issues, such as car parking and airfield expansion, whilst at the same time acting as peacemaker between organisations with different views about the future of local services. I want to demonstrate what a good MP actually does – supporting and, where necessary, leading the community through campaigning, advocacy and accessibility. In doing so, I am able to highlight my opponent’s regular absence from the constituency.

I may not have the financial resources of other candidates, but I certainly have the strongest record of delivery on campaign objectives.

I have made it clear in every leaflet delivered and every event I have spoken at, that the petty tribal wars that so often come with politics will never play a role in my campaign. My leaflets and campaign events will focus on positive ideas, and I will only attack my opponent’s ideas when I believe them to be wrong for our community. I will never stoop to personal attacks or distortions of the truth.

People should vote for who they believe is best for the job, the person who will best represent their needs and support them when they need a helping hand. As improbable as my victory may be, I intend to spend these pre-election months proving that that person is me.

AOB:
My facebook page will be launched in February 2010, when I write to first time voters across the area. Should you wish to keep an eye on the campaign as it develops, follow me here.

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