Alex James

I remember the pride I felt when I first voted in an election, my vote was for the LibDems on the promise of not increasing tuition fees. A life lesson was not all I gained, a student debt now worth double what I borrowed and a 9% “tax” on my salary is the end result, and I am not alone. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to university and while thankful for the education I was afforded, I’m saddened by the fashion with which I had to agree to it. Had I only been born a year earlier my debt would be 1/3 what it is! The establishment are letting us down and not working for people like us. Unlike other parties, the Green Party have a simple message of environmental and social justice and a rhetoric that things can be different and we should be hopeful not hateful. I promise to fight for you every day, listening to your struggles and working with you and the council to find solutions. A renter all my adult life, I know the exceptional cost of living, difficulties saving for a deposit and the inequality and often poor living conditions that leads to. In such a large and crowded city, with many living in flats, the green spaces we are fortunate to have are vital for us. I will ensure they are clean and safe so we can all enjoy the outdoors. I am a scientist working on technologies to treat drinking water, meaning I am data led and make informed decisions, see past the bluster and analyse critically. I will hold the council accountable and ensure they are delivering for us all.