With polling day for the 2024 General Election looming ever closer, Nub News is asking local candidates where they stand on key issues in Twickenham.

These articles will be published throughout the week to help keep voters informed before they reach the ballot box on Thursday 4 July.

To kick off the week, we decided to get to know the candidates a bit better, asking: why are you running in Twickenham, and what do you think the most pressing issue is for locals?

Jonathan Hulley – Conservatives

Why Twickenham?

"I know Twickenham very well due to close family connections and my work as a social housing lawyer, as clients are based here. 

"Since being selected as the Conservative candidate in 2023, I have thrown myself into campaigning and helping residents with casework, visiting every corner of the constituency, and speaking to thousands of residents."

"Twickenham is a wonderful constituency, but some needs can be overlooked. If you look at averages, it can be perceived as a rich area, so a big part of my job is to ensure we get our fair share of resources. 

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"I believe in public service and care passionately about representing all voters to the best of my ability."

Key issue

"The most pressing issue is the country's future direction. 

"After a few difficult years with the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we are now at a crossroads. Labour wants to keep taxes permanently high, whilst the Conservatives want to get us back onto the road of prosperity and freedom with lower taxes, more home ownership, and less state interference in people's lives."

Alexander Starling – Reform

Why Twickenham?

"I'm a born Londoner (under the Bow Bells, no less!) and a local, having lived just the other side of Richmond since getting married in 2010 to my wife Anna, who moved here in 2006. 

"I wanted to stand in a local constituency, and so was delighted to be selected as Reform's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate in Twickenham."

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Key issue

"I'm going to stick my neck out here [...] and raise an issue that is one of the root causes of various pressing issues that manifest themselves as inflation or a 'cost of living crisis': the mistaken belief that 'decarbonisation' is the same as being 'sustainable' or 'good for the environment'.  

"We are made of carbon; carbon is plant food. It is an existential threat to us, our environment and our way of life to allow the vested interests of the decarbonisation lobby to drive policies that are quite unnecessary, wasteful and downright dangerous.  

"It is essential that we have this conversation, and Reform is leading the charge here."

Munira Wilson – Liberal Democrats

Why Twickenham?

"I've lived in the Twickenham constituency for almost 20 years, the past 13 of which have been in Whitton. I have strong ties to the area and my two young children go to school here, so making life better for everyone in the community is really important to me.

"I want to be a strong voice and a strong champion on the local and national issues that matter to Twickenham residents. 

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"Whether it's fighting the blight of aircraft noise, tackling lengthy NHS waiting lists, keeping filthy sewage out of our rivers, pushing for better train services or helping constituents with the cost-of-living crisis, I will keep fighting for a fair deal for the people of Twickenham.

Key issue

"The sense I get from speaking to people is a real frustration that the Government has let our public services fall apart – whether that's policing, the NHS, water or transport. 

"As Education Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, my main priority is safeguarding our children's future, so that every child can breathe clean air, swim in clean water, eat healthy meals at school, and get the education they deserve to give them the best start in life."

Tomorrow, Tuesday 25 June, we will be asking candidates about their plans to tackle Thames Water, and the pollution of local rivers.

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