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.
Eleanor Masters – Green Party – Northfield
I am a mental health nurse working on a ward for adolescents a short cycle ride from where I live in Weoley Castle. I studied at BCU before going to work in the health sector.
Just as I have made my home in Northfield Constituency, the area has made a home within my heart: there is an abundance of things to love and be inspired by here. I am therefore deeply saddened when I see the devastating effect of government cuts to services on people here who most need support – cuts to mental health services and care for the elderly, and most recently to tax credits.
Greens are the sole party with a truly anti-austerity vision. It’s high time the government stopped taking from the most disadvantaged in society on the pretext that this is necessary to balance the books. Suicides are rising and children are going hungry. I would take a stand against this atrocity and demand the restoration of essential services.
Another Green Party priority is help for people who rent their home and are at the mercy of barely-regulated landlords. If you are renting your accommodation and feel exploited by the current system, I can fully relate to this from personal experience of appalling conditions and promise to fight passionately for your rights and advocate your needs.
Finally, as someone with a personal affection for the Northfield Ecocentre and the wonderful work done there, I would aim to connect with, learn from and support them in their many green, community-building projects.
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