Name: Nigel Knowles
Age: 70
Political Party: Labour Party
In 50 words why should the people of Solihull vote for you?
I stand for increasing living standards, not cutting them like the Tories. Liberal Democrats cannot be trusted. They were in coalition with the Tories before getting wiped out and losing Solihull. Labour will not increase taxes for the majority and defend the NHS and Education.
In 50 words what do you believe is the key issue in the borough you will fight for?
To maintain living standards for pensioners and working families. To do that we have to also protect Public Services. The Tories will cut Pensions and Benefits, Labour will protect them. The disabled will lose hundreds of pounds. Average wages are too low, Labour will increase the Living Wage.
How would you do that and how would you find the money?
By taxing the rich and big companies.
Brexit negotiations are a key issue for many voters – in 100 words, give us your views on it:
Withdrawal from the European Union was because Right Wing Tories and UKIP demanded it. I voted to Remain. Labour is fully committed to pursuing Brexit with our 27 partners. I completely reject Mrs May’s attitude and tactics. She virtually declared war on the steps of Downing Street on Parliament’s dissolution She said she wouldn’t give a running commentary on negotiations. But she is doing that and castigating European Parliamentarians and officials, as well as the Labour Party and SNP. In Government, Labour will defend working families, the NHS, Education and build one million houses. Labour will also create a National Investment Bank.
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?
Three problems – personal issues concerning health and wellbeing, a need to encourage physical and mental activity. The pressure on the NHS to deal with accidents, planned operations, stays in hospital, then being discharged to manage at home, often alone. We need more NHS and Home Care workers properly paid. Nurses have suffered a pay freeze, meaning cuts, for more than 7 years.
What is your favourite hobby/interest?
Literature
What would be your ideal way to spend a day?
Relax and write
Favourite holiday destination?
Cornwall and Portugal
Favourite memory in life?
All about family
Favourite film?
The Quiet Man.
Favourite television show?
Channel 4 News
Favourite band/album?
Rolling Stones
Favourite book?
Ulysses
What is your greatest strength or weakness?
Persistence
Top five dinner guests – alive or dead – and not including the leader of your political party!?
James Joyce, Boadicca, Tom Paine, Marilyn Monroe, Jenny Knowles
Who is the person/s you most admire in life – not including the leader of your political party!?
Jenny Knowles
What is the most embarrassing moment in your life?
Ask her
How would you like to be remembered?
A Labour stalwart
For a million pounds would you join one of your rival political parties?
Never
How about for ten million?
Never
What was the last lie you told?
In the Infants school when I said it wasn’t me.
