Here we have our third election candidate profile, the rest can be seen on our candidate page. All candidates were sent the same list of questions and we are publishing them in the order that they are returned to us.
**All responses are unedited**
Candidate Name: Andrew Illsley
Party: UK Independence Party – UKIP
Election: Stafford Borough Council
Ward: St. Michael’s and Stonefield
Tell our readers about yourself:
I have lived in Stone since moving here in 1988 with my wife son and daughter. We now have 3 wonderful grandchildren. I am a retired Marketing Consultant having previously worked in the ceramics sector at a number of senior levels. For our pastime we really enjoy our garden, travelling our wonderful countryside and visiting the marvellous stately homes and gardens we have to enjoy as our heritage. I came into active politics in 2009 when I became Chairman of UKIP’s Stone constituency branch.
What’s your personal statement about why you’re standing and what you want to do over the next 4 years:
If elected I will work tirelessly to bring the local council closer to constituents to give real decision making on the day to day issues that concern such as local planning and services provision.
Stone is a growing and vibrant place to live and recent new facilities with household branded shops, the superb leisure centre are testament as to why people are encouraged to come and live in our town. However, with more homes comes the need for more GP’s, Nurses, Policing and in particular easy accessible car parking.
I would work to keep green spaces and the provision by new housebuilders to provide children’s play areas on new developments where they are lacking
How does standing as a political party candidate affect serving local people on local issues?
I am standing to give a real voice to the people who are totally fed up and angry with the 2 party domination in our local and national politics. The current state Westminster say it all. As UKIP Councillor will always stand up for local people and common sense rather than toeing party lines like the “older” parties. This is often a shock to the establishment but it’s a breath of fresh air that our Councils need.
Do you live in Stone, if not what’s your link to Stone and your reason for standing as Stone candidate?
I have lived in Stone for 31 years, having come across from Leicestershire with my job. My Children and now grandchildren attended Stone and Stafford schools and my wife has been a school Governor.
What’s been your history as a political councillor?
I have no history as a political councillor. However, I have stood as Stone parliamentary candidate twice, County Council elections twice and once before in the Strafford BC elections. I have also worked for 2 MEP’s.
What are the top 5 issues that you think affect the residents of Stone over the next 5 years?
The top 5 issues which I believe will affect Stone residents in the next 5 years will be:
- Protect our green spaces by opposing excessive housing schemes, the potential massive disruption of traffic movement as a result of the construction of HS2
- Review the cost reductions on local policing in order to safeguard our growing community in Stone with an adequate service which has been considerably affected by national government cuts
3.To fully support all community initiatives where residents, work together to improve their local environment making it a better place to live
4.To look at all possibilities for improved car parking facilities to encourage shoppers to use the town and reduce their need to travel elsewhere
5.The provision of more affordable homes in the area for those in need and those wishing to own their own home.
How will you keep in touch with your constituents’ concerns?
Constituents will have easy access to my personal home telephone, mobile, email or via weekly local surgeries
