Name: Ade Adeyemo
Age: 51
Political Party: Liberal Democrats
In 50 words why should the people of Solihull vote for you?
We are not getting a good deal in Solihull at the moment. I entered politics because I care deeply about our town and borough. I’ve lived here for over 20 years and understand why we need to look after our residents’ education, health, homes, businesses and long-term prosperity. Solihull deserves better.
In 50 words what do you believe is the key issue in the borough you will fight for?
Unfair allocation of funds starves our local schools. People choose to move to Solihull because our schools are so great. But Theresa May’s Conservatives’ savage austerity means £11.8 million of funding cuts are coming down the line by 2019. Schools are reaching breaking point. We have to change that.
How would you do that and how would you find the money?
I want to speak up for schools, teachers and all learners. Our manifesto commitment would bring £30m extra to Solihull schools. We have to champion investment in schools, not cuts. This is about protecting funding for education to the hilt. We cannot be steamrollered by Theresa May’s pet projects.
Brexit negotiations are a key issue for many voters – in 100 words, give us your views on it:
The decision to leave the EU has been divisive. I know from talking to leave and remain voters that people can’t understand what is going on. My role is to listen and lead – to make sure we get the right deal for Solihull in EU negotiations. I’m tired of hearing bullish rhetoric which silences the real concerns of ordinary residents. My view is that to negotiate properly with the EU, we need to draw on the exceptional talents of our own people here in Solihull – who do international business transactions on a daily basis, and who understand what big decisions mean for people’s everyday lives.
What are your views on the state of the healthcare in the borough and what would you do to change it if you believe it needs changing?
Our health and social care provisions are at huge risk at the moment. I have campaigned for many years now to stop relentless cuts to provision. Whether it is threats of closure to walk-in centres or hospital wards, cutting back on ambulance provision, or stripping back access to GPs, care for the elderly and mental health provision, I always speak up for what Solihull residents need. Our manifesto commitment would raise £24m extra each year for Solihull. We would properly fund physical and mental health provision across Solihull, making sure you are protected you when you most need it.
What is your favourite hobby/interest?
Photography. As a student, I always had my prized SLR camera stashed in my bag so I didn’t miss a good shot.
What would be your ideal way to spend a day?
Desert island, saxophone… oh, and some constituency emails!
Favourite holiday destination?
The Algarve
Favourite memory in life?
Getting married – 27 years ago!
Favourite film?
Top Gun (I should probably go to the cinema more!)
Favourite television show?
Rugby Special (I am an ex-player, an ex-referee, and am still totally in love with the game)
Favourite band/album?
Simple Minds – New Gold Dream. My favourite track is “Someone Somewhere In Summertime”
Favourite book?
Just before the snap election was announced, I had started reading This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein. I’m wondering if I’ll ever get time to finish it!
What is your greatest strength or weakness?
Strength: Over the course of this campaign, people have told me I’ve got real determination to succeed. I’m proud of that.
Weakness: Definitely that I’ve got a sweet tooth
Top five dinner guests – alive or dead – and not including the leader of your political party!?
Albert Einstein
Anthony Joshua
Dawn French
Maro Itoje
Seal
Who is the person/s you most admire in life – not including the leader of your political party!?
My mother. She taught me to look out for others.
What is the most embarrassing moment in your life?
Turning up at Heathrow airport with my wife’s passport…
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who stands up for those who deserve better.
For a million pounds would you join one of your rival political parties?
Not a chance
How about for ten million?
Still no chance
What was the last lie you told?
I said I didn’t want a slice of cake someone offered me in the campaign office… This was not true (my team knows me well – I still got the cake!)
