Name: Alison Gavin
Age: 40
Political Party: Green Party
In 50 words why should the people of Meriden vote for you?
I believe in a new way of doing politics, as well as a new set of policies that works for everyone. I’m ashamed when I see politicians acting like they are in prehistoric tribes. It’s time for politics that works with people and is pragmatic, evidence-based and looks after everyone.
In 50 words what do you believe is the key issue in the borough you will fight for?
Homelessness is a key issue for many. Four from five people can’t afford to buy a home, and Solihull is the least affordable place in the country. We need to build 15,000 houses a year in the West Midlands. We currently build about 4,000.
How would you do that and how would you find the money?
We need to invest in affordable housing, build on brownfield, stop land banking, encourage more small builders and self-builders, and tackle rough sleeping. We’ll fund this through clamping down on tax dodging, bank reform, and taxing the very richest more progressively.
Brexit negotiations are a key issue for many voters – in 100 words, give us your views on it:
Making predictions about Brexit is like crystal ball gazing. We absolutely need to advocate for access to the single market and avoiding a “driving off a cliff edge” hard Brexit, but we also need to focus on controlling what we can and taking the opportunities Brexit gives. That means building a more home-grown economy based on local small businesses that creates wealth and keeps it here, seeing what we can make and do here that we currently import, and training people where there are already skills shortages (like construction and care).
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?
The NHS is in crisis. Local residents are struggling to see a GP, and when they do the GPs aren’t allowed to spend much time with them. There is currently a funding gap of around £30bn. Doctors and nurses say they just can’t cope any more. The NHS is being increasingly sold off to private companies who are making money from tax payers and delivering poorer services. The Green Party would close the funding gap and would make changes with staff, not impose changes on them.
What is your favourite hobby/interest?
Calligraphy
What would be your ideal way to spend a day?
Encouraging people who are suffering, one by one.
Favourite holiday destination?
Domremy in France, where Joan-of-Arc grew up.
Favourite memory in life?
Going to Trets in France on a Buddhist course, reading the work of Daisaku Ikeda.
Favourite film?
Shawshank Redemption
Favourite television show?
Doctors or maybe Casualty or Holby City…..
Favourite band/album?
Cranberries.
Favourite book?
The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk.
What is your greatest strength or weakness?
Strength: overcoming adversity
Weakness: not listening to my body closely enough.
Top five dinner guests – alive or dead – and not including the leader of your political party!?
Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi, Daisaku Ikeda, Doris Lessing, Betty Williams
Who is the person/s you most admire in life – not including the leader of your political party!?
My adoptive mother.
What is the most embarrassing moment in your life?
When I was asked to dance whilst my best friend played music that she had written. It reduced her nerves and my ego simultaneously.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a woman of courage, wisdom and compassion.
For a million pounds would you join one of your rival political parties?
No. Clearly, I’m a member of The Green Party. We are not the richest party by any means, but I’m proud to represent them.
How about for ten million?
I don’t really need ten million pounds.
What was the last lie you told?
I told my mum recently that I had tested my blood sugar (I’m diabetic) when I hadn’t…..
