Rugby Candidates Interviewed - Liberal Democrats + Reform UK

With July 4th ever approaching, I believe keeping people informed about the possible MP for their area is greatly important. Going off this basis, I recently took the time to interview two local candidates from my area (Rugby). I spoke with Richard Dickson of the Liberal Democrats, as well as Devenne Kedward of Reform UK. Both were asked 6 questions as well as an extra that was specific to that candidate and I believe the responses I received offer a good insight into the goals of each individual as well as what they can offer the constituency. My aim is to remain impartial, in order to allow this to simply act as a condensed breakdown of each candidate and I would also like to thank the two of them for taking part and giving me some of their time during this presumably hectic schedule.

Richard Dickson - Liberal Democrat

The first candidate that I had the opportunity to interview was Richard Dickson of the Liberal Democrats. Throughout our discussion we touched on many issues relating to the local area as well as the country as a whole, providing a good insight into his political objectives as well as what he stands for as an individual. The main aspects of his policy I managed to gather were his focus upon improving and giving a greater role to local governments, as well his hope for more cooperation between parties within government to provide greater representation of all voters. As outlined above, for each candidate I asked 6 questions that were the same for all, as well as one more specific question pertaining to the candidates personal views.

Tell me a bit about your personal background?

Richard talked of his vast experience within many areas, starting with banking work following his business degree, before later working in marketing for non-profit organisations. His political history came from a feeling of being an “odd one out” within a conservative family, pushing him in the direction of the Liberal Democrats. He attributed a large portion of his motivation to get more involved in politics to the speech “ Breaking The Mould” by Roy Jenkins (Labour/ SDP/ Lib Dem MP 14 March 1987 – 5 January 2003). This speech came alongside the creation of the SDP, with the aim of “breaking the mould” of just the big two parties being in power in the 1980’s. It can be seen this idea of a wider spectrum of parties having an influence within parliament has stuck with Richard, with this being an aspect mentioned later on.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing rugby?

The biggest issue highlighted was a lack of investment and power afforded to the local government. This issue weakens all access to local services, namely NHS and care services, as well as damaging a sense of community within the town. Building upon this issue, Richard mentioned the lack of community spirit in newly built housing estates such as Houlton, due to the lack of local services provided within these areas not allowing people to come together. Richard talked of how greater local powers could get rid of these issues, as well as allow a rejuvenation of the Rugby town centre, promoting smaller local businesses.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the country as a whole?

When asked about what he saw as the biggest challenge facing the country as a whole Richard talked of 2 key issues. The first was the burden put on the NHS due to an ageing public, he mentioned how the NHS burden can be weakened through promoting the local community, for example creating community walk groups as well as getting people into fitness at local facilities. He himself promotes this fitness through activities such as the two castles run, which he is planning to complete in the coming weeks.

The second issue Richard spoke of was the breaking of the “golden rule” by the past generation and how it must be put back in place (golden rule = each generation should be better off than the last). He argued this rule was broken as a result of the confrontational style of UK politics, using Prime ministers' questions as an example of this. This can be seen as leading into his answer to my next question below.

You have talked about the idea of a peacetime coalition government in the past, what does this look like to you?

Richard’s idea of coalition government differs from what occurred 2010-15 under Cameron. The removal of the confrontational style of politics would allow a system that is more focused upon working together. He proposed an end to the FPTP (first past the post) voting system due to it leading to only one party being represented within the UK, arguing for a more representative system to be instituted, such as in Germany. In his eyes, this system would boost both representation and empowerment, allowing for a fairer system of governance.

He also commented on how democratic empowerment should be encouraged as a whole, with voters from groups such as young people being underrepresented due to low turnouts, arguing parties should move away from just appealing to the “grey vote” (older voters). This idea was also further explored within my next question.

Are you confident about the upcoming election?

Going into the next election, Richard talked of how he was more hopeful than in previous years. He sees people as ready for a change as a result of issues such as the cost of living and chaotic political leaders in recent times. However, he also highlighted the issue of dissolution and polarisation within UK politics, being caused by a lack of trust in political leaders, as well as issues with the voter ID system. We discussed my views on this issue, coming from a 19 year old student, as well as issues surrounding low turnout and the rise in spoiled ballots in local and police and crime commissioner elections.

What are your plans if you are successful on July 4th?

If successful on July 4th, Richard aims to find a form of mobile office in order to interact with people all across the constituency. He aims to hold meetings with constituents to champion change and give people a say, as well as work with local NHS and care providers. In Westminster he aims to champion Rugby when given the opportunity and work to improve the way the government works as a whole.

Do you have any closing comments you would like to make that I will mention?

“I hope that people will seriously consider who to vote for and what issues are important at this time”. Richard advised me to look beyond just the campaign parties are run on, but rather look into the candidates themselves and what they can offer to the local area.

He then went on to mention lyrics from the artist Leonard Cohen that underpins his current view on UK politics, with the idea that “there is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in” highlighting that we should be positive about the future despite things currently being not so good. Richard hopes this light can come from promoting togetherness, such as how we did during the pandemic.

Devenne Kedward - Reform UK

The second candidate I had the chance to interact with was Devenne Kedward of Reform UK. Within her responses to my seven questions, she touched upon a range of aspects underpinning her policy platform. These aspects included local issues such as problems with funding for youth groups, as well as more nationally focused views on immigration. A large focus of Devenne’s answers also showed her hunger for change within politics as a whole.

Tell me a bit about your personal background?

Growing up within the constituency, Devenne holds professional experience working abroad for a travel company, followed by work in retail management and now works as the General Manager of a commercial property investment firm. Despite holding no previous political experience, she sees this as a refreshing change rather than a hindrance to her campaign. Devenne highlighted her wealth of “real life” experience, hoping to use this in order “to better empathise and support others without a personal agenda”.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing rugby?

In this area, Devenne holds underrepresentation as the root cause of the local issues within Rugby as well as the constituency as a whole. A lack of healthcare facilities locally and the removal of the ambulance station is her main issue that comes as a result of this. The need for a rejuvenation of the town centre and high street was also a key issue mentioned, as well as the need for greater local funding and support for youth groups in order to give greater help to the youth. This last point was built upon further as Devenne goes on to highlight her aim to give greater opportunities to the youth in order to help build a better future, with this seeming to be an important personal aim of hers.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the country as a whole?

In line with the overall aims of the Reform party, immigration of course takes centre stage as the main issue. Devenne sees it as spiralling out of control, leading to strains on public services as well as it resulting in damage to wages, rents and the availability of social housing. She therefore believes that these issues would be weakened through a higher focus and different approach to tackling it in line with the aims of Reform, rather than the current Conservative approach.

Are you confident about the upcoming election?

Devenne’s confidence in the upcoming election seems to come from the fact that change is on the horizon. She is hopeful that the electorate will have their say and that the current “toxic government” will be removed from office. Alongside this, she highlighted her confidence in the fact people are beginning to get the message that the two party system within the UK needs to end in order to see true representation and change.

Do you think the recency of Reform's rise in popularity will put you in good standing for this election?

Devenne sees her standing going into the upcoming election as difficult to read. She spoke of how her supporters seem to be growing locally day by day, thanking them for their support and seeing this as a result of the parties overarching “common sense” policies. However, in the same sentiment, she seems to understand that changing the system built around the “two main parties” is difficult and therefore success is hard to measure at this election.

What are your plans if you are successful on July 4th?

If successful, Devenne hopes to get stuck in right away, focusing on her 3 main priorities; improving local healthcare through putting pressure on the Coventry and Warwickshire ICB, reform local SEND services and increase youth previsions. She reiterated the importance of our youth, highlighting her vision for “every young person to have access to a regular out of school provision where they can socialise in person, discover talents, build life skills and improve their mental health.”. She then commented that she will put the views of the constituents first, expecting them to hold her to account, as she will aim to do to those in Westminster.

Do you have any closing comments you would like to make that I will mention?

Devenne encouraged voters across the country to look past party politics and vote based on the person and what they personally stand for. She highlighted the need to look into the track record of individuals, for example if they worked as a councillor. She sees this election as “critical to the future of our nation” and that we should use it to end career politicians.