Welcoming a debate

Almost since the year dot, this area has been a stronghold for the Conservatives, and people have often felt it not worth voting, as this lead can never be challenged.

Or at least that is how it would appear if we believe what we see in the media, or even in the attitude of the central offices of parties of every political stripe. That's why you so seldom see Greg Barker in the constituency, save for a quick photo-shoot or press opportunity.

But I don't think that has to be the case. We have all seen the successes the Labour government has had over the last 10 years, and on so many of these successes, the Conservatives have voted against.I hope, therefore, that our respective columns on this website will encourage a bit more debate locally.

I should maybe tell you something about myself '“ I was born in St Leonards, and attended Crowhurst, Robsack Wood and the Grove Schools. After studying for two years in Hong Kong, I studied Politics and Development Studies at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). Since then, I have worked locally as an English teacher, as well as for Britain in Europe, the Foreign Policy Centre and, most recently, for local MEP Peter Skinner and the Labour Party in the European Parliament. My family is closely linked to the issues people face locally '“ my mother has worked as a primary school teacher in the constituency for many years, my father worked in East Sussex Social Services for 28 years, and my sister works in Lewes for the Ambulance Service.

As someone who has grown up and been educated in the constituency (unlike Mr Barker), it has been obvious to me from a very early age that this constituency has been unfairly forgotten about, and that our views are not accurately represented in Westminster by the Conservative Party. I believe that this area benefits hugely from a Labour government. We have seen more police on our streets, more money going into education, a national minimum wage and investment in a very wide range of local arts and cultural projects.

I welcome this initiative by the Bexhill/Battle Observer to encourage a bit of debate between the three major parties. Over the next months and years leading up to the General Election, I hope to show on these pages why I believe it is the policies of the Labour Partywhich can best serve Bexhill/Battle in future.

Please have a look at my website, www.jamesroyston.com, and do get in touch to let me know your views '“ [email protected].