1. Do you support plans to build 12,000 homes across Tendring?

No, and certainly not immediately, but we do need to build enough new homes for growth and employment, to help fund new infrastructure and for better homes for the elderly. So, we need a viable plan for Tendring or the developers will apply for housing development where they want, and we will not be able to protect our green spaces, villages and countryside.


2. What can be done to tackle the rise in crime and protect our local police?

In Tendring, house burglary, shed burglary, theft from cars, robbery and criminal damage are down. Police are recording more antisocial behaviour and shoplifting. We should commend them for picking up more serious sexual offences, up 41 per cent, and minor violence (mostly domestic violence) up 19 per cent. I support a permanent police presence in Harwich. If the old police station costs too much, it should be replaced.


3. How would you help to bring wind farm opportunities to Harwich?

We have had some success and there are jobs and training here as a result. Harwich now has “core” status in the offshore wind industry, but this is a long haul. I have held public summits and numerous meetings with government ministers, Essex and Tendring councillors, and potential investors. I will keep working at this because there will be more opportunities.


4. How does your party plan to cut unemployment in the constituency?

Unemployment in Harwich and North Essex has been falling and there are more people in work than ever before. We have achieved Assisted Area Status, and this has helped attract support for job- creating enterprises like boat builders CTruk in Brightlingsea. We will be working on other opportunities like this. Every jobseeker is coached and local employers offer government-backed apprenticeships.


5. What can be done to tackle the high levels of deprivation in parts of Harwich and the surrounding area?

 As well as encouraging businesses to come to the area and keeping council taxes and business rates down, we need to talk up what is great about living and working in places like Harwich. We have great history and maritime heritage, tremendous leisure opportunities and beaches, a wonderful arts festival and the sea festival. We should celebrate the strength of the community.


6. What do you suggest to alleviate hazardous parking in the villages around Manningtree Railway Station and congestion at the underpass?

Network Rail/Greater Anglia have expanded the car park once. They will have to do so again. But we also need a comprehensive plan for what was to be the Tesco site. This is a major opportunity for Lawford and Manningtree.


7. What can be done to boost tourism in the constituency?

Celebrate what we can offer. The whole of the North Essex constituency, from Dedham to Mersea, from Brightlingsea to Harwich, has a huge amount to offer. The Essex coast has more sunshine than most other parts of the UK, and I love fishing off the beach. The ferry services out of Harwich and visiting cruise liners offer major opportunities.


8. What are your favourite book, film and song?

 Book: Master and Commander, by Patrick O'Brien. Film: Battle of Britain. Song: Anything by Tina Turner.


9. Would your choice of tipple be a glass of champagne or a pint of beer?

Aldi’s champagne is very good, but it depends on the time of day.


10. What’s your favourite tourist destination in the constituency?

North Essex has so much, but Harwich is where I take friends to surprise and astonish them. I celebrated my birthday with friends in Harwich last week.