As part of our 2017 General Election coverage, we have contacted each candidate standing in Northfield, Bromsgrove, Edgbaston and Selly Oak constituencies asking them to contribute to this election’s ’500 Words’ series.
Each candidate has been invited to describe themselves and their campaigns in their own words. Their submissions will be published without editing, in the order that they are received. Should they be longer than 500 words, they will be cropped.
Preet Gill – Labour – Edgbaston
I was born, raised, lived and worked in Edgbaston Constituency and went to Primary and Secondary school here. My father was a bus driver based at the Harborne depot on the well known No 11 bus route. My Family still live here, this is my home.
I have a background in Children’s services and was based in Harborne for over 5 years. I currently work in the North of the city in Children’s services working with some of our most vulnerable children and families. I am really passionate about the work I do and the difference we make.
I am also a Cllr in Sandwell and the Cabinet member for Public Health and Protection. I sit on the west Midlands Police and Crime Panel.
As a grassroots campaigner I have learnt to listen and engage with constituents. I want to mobilise more of our communities to actively get involved in politics and share decision making. I will be a visible, hardworking Member of Parliament for the constituency.
On the doorstep I am hearing concerns about the Tory’s devaluing our NHS, Education and Housing. I want to be your member of parliament and pledge to:
1. Fight for our NHS and your local GP practices – There are 3.9 million people on waiting lists and 1.8 million people wait four hours or more in our A&E. This is not good enough our health and social care services are in crisis.
2. I will oppose the school cuts to support our children, teachers and parents. – School funding in Edgbaston is being cut by £8,595,439 the Tory Govt have no regard for the impacts of school cuts. As a mother with two young children I am concerned about our children’s future, which I am sure you are too.
3. I will stand up for jobs, skills and getting people into employment. Exploitative zero hour contracts must end and I will ensure that people get stronger employment rights from the outset.
4. I will fight the unfair Tory cuts to Birmingham- The City Council revenue budget has been cut by two thirds by the Tory’s.. Vital services are being put at risk whilst other parts of the country are being given more cash to spend by the Tories.
5. I will ensure there is more policing in our area – The police force here in the West Midlands have seen police numbers cut by 20%. I will work closely with the police and crime commissioner to address this.
View all ’500 Words’ submissions for this election