PPC Profile: Dave Rowntree

Full Name: David Rowntree

Age: 45

From: Colchester

PPC for: Cities of London & Westminster

Website: www.davidrowntree.org

CV:

I was born in Colchester, Essex, and my first job was working for Colchester Borough Council as a computer programmer. Both my parents are musicians, so I have always been around music, and I studied to be an orchestral percussionist in my younger days. In 1989 my band Blur were signed by EMI and I’ve since spent most of my working life as a musician.

I was inspired to go into politics because:

A few years ago I spent some time working at a friend’s law firm in East London and it proved to be a political turning point for me. The work was Legal Aid criminal defence; helping those at the bottom of the heap. Most often the clients were people with issues relating to drugs or alcohol, or those suffering from mental health problems. I was amazed to see that there was still an underclass living in extreme poverty, for whom defence solicitors were the only ones fighting their corner. I have had my own share of drug and alcohol problems, and even a period of homelessness, so I thought I knew a bit about the extremes of life. But I was shocked at what I found, and determined to try and do something about it.

My main policy interests are:

Housing is the highest priority for me as it sits at the top of a pyramid of issues. Poor housing is a factor in poor health, crime and anti-social behaviour, and the spiral of unemployment.

Drug and alcohol treatment is an area which has been criminally neglected by successive governments. The overwhelming majority of acquisitive crime is caused by addicts, so it is worth taking risks to see what works. As a start, I want treatment to be available to all those who ask, instead of waiting until a crime has been committed.

Electoral and political reform. I believe in Proportional Representation; in open primaries; a reduction in the size and power of the civil service; a re-designed House of Commons; electronic voting and a smaller, elected second chamber. We need to overhaul the current system if we want to restore people’s trust in the power of politics.

Three things I would like to see in the Labour Manifesto are:

1 – A real commitment to affordable housing. Good housing should be a right, not a luxury, but has been shamefully under-funded for decades. Labour has a better record in recent years, but must do much more.

2 – A substantial increase in the funding for drug and alcohol services. Treatment success rates at present are risibly low. We need to look at best practices around the world, and focus on what actually works. This may mean taking some decisions that are unpopular with the tabloids.

3 – A small, elected House of Lords. The entire United States gets by with 100 Senators, so why do we need 750 peers? A small elected second chamber, with constituency links, makes far more sense.

I think people should vote for me because:

I offer something different. I am not a career politician, and I believe my life experiences give me a real insight into some of the most intractable problems in society.

It is important to have people entering politics from all walks of life. Politicians must connect more effectively with constituents, and in the wake of the expenses scandal it is essential that politics can move forwards to become more transparent and accountable. I see myself as being part of this new, fresh approach.

The Cities of London and Westminster is a constituency of contrasts. It has some of the richest areas in the UK, but some of its residents have among the worst health outcomes. I am committed to combating the problems in this constituency. I have seen the link between bad health, high crime and poor social housing and addiction, and will work tirelessly to break this cycle.

I know the Cities of London and Wesminster has only ever elected a Conservative Member of Parliament, but I do not believe that safe seats are good for democracy. Local people do not benefit if their MP becomes stale and complacent. I want to make a difference in this community, and I will continue to fight to give local people the representation they deserve.