Kensington as we know it is under threat. Our residents have no voice in Westminster.
The values that brought people from all over the world to this part of London are being eroded by rapacious development and the interests of a few. In this election, we have a chance to maintain the vibrancy and diversity of our neighbourhoods—not with platitudes, but with intelligent workable approaches that maintain our communities and the heritage of this wonderful constituency.
As your MP I vow to promote fairness and equality in Kensington, while helping to preserve the mix of cultures that make our borough unique.
Kensington residents need proper representation, locally and nationally.
Only 17 people out of 100 that we asked in the constituency picked out their MP from a line-up of eight. These people did not recognise him because he is not visible locally and does not spend time meeting constituents. They labelled him ‘the Honorary MP for Kensington’ emerged, and now it has stuck.
People are fed up with politics and politicians. They see MPs lining their own pockets and not listening to the electorate. Instead of representing their constituents, MPs are seen spending time on parliamentary junkets and socialising with billionaires. It is no wonder the electorate is frustrated and disengaged.
Not all MPs deserve this sad reputation and it is easy to check who does or does not. Websites exist that document how MPs spend their time and from whom they accept payments. If you were told that your MP accepted a payment of £5,000 for spending just one hour at a children's charity breakfast, or that this MP’s non-executive directorships and consultancies earn him approximately £262,000 per year, you may not believe it. But you can check for yourself on: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/11660/malcolm_rifkind/kensington#register
I am not a politician. I am a university lecturer, but I decided to stand for parliament because I was tired of shouting at the television. I was tired of watching, listening and reading about political elites who had little or no interest in their own constituents. I was tired of watching hard-working people get left out of the political process by their own representatives.
Since I was selected as a parliamentary candidate in 2013, I have worked closely with my Labour colleagues. Together we have knocked on nearly 3,000 doors, met Kensington residents from all walks of life, and listened to their problems, issues and concerns.
My electoral campaign theme we created after listening to residents, is this: One Kensington.
Kensington residents need a locally-based, visible, responsive and representative Member of Parliament. As your MP, I will not take any paid directorships. Being a responsive Member of Parliament is a full time job that I take very seriously. Kensington’s residents deserve an MP who will be fully engaged as their representative in Westminster.
I will publicise and hold regular surgeries in the north, centre and south of Kensington to serve equally all residents. I am your representative. Help me uphold One Kensington, of which we can all be proud.
