I’m pleased that all of the candidates for the Conservative nomination to be Salisbury’s next Member of Parliament have agreed to answer a set of questions for this website.
The third candidate to do so is Fleur Butler. Fleur’s introduction on the party website says:
Fleur is a Leader of a District Council. Three generations of her husband’s family living in the Salisbury area. Her father in law was Vicar of Redlynch for 17 years. She is a firm believer in reform of public services, and wants the right of individuals to control their own lives, not meddling government. Her grandfather was the politician Rab Butler. Her interests include riding, gardening and her family.
Why do you want to represent Salisbury?
I have the real political experience of local government combined with the in depth experience of work in the charity sector with unemployed communities, along with many generations of my family living locally which would enable me to work with the determination to listen and serve all people in Salisbury whatever their political persuasion.This bit of text will hopefully be invisible
What would you most like to change in Salisbury?
Salisbury is one of England’s best market towns, so major change would not be good. But I would look at the Churchfield’s Industrial area and see if their could be a better location which still supported local business and employment in the area
How would you encourage more business and jobs into the area?
I think there should be more business start up units with new businesses being supported with lower rents and help with business rates. Other areas in Wiltshire have these but not Salisbury
What do you think of the plans for the Market Place?
All market places need money spending on them over time and it is important to keep and area refreshed and smart so that shoppers want to come in to the towns.
And the plans for Stonehenge?
At last a decision! Almost any plan is better than more consultation. I think closing the road to Shrewton in particular will hep bring the stones alive for visitors. It is a pity that the tunnel was too expensive, but a proper visitor centre should make the visit a real experience for the tourists who will come, and hopefully boost tourism in the area.
How could the transport links in and out of the city be improved? What should take priority – road or rail?
Road. So much of the congestion problems would not be solved by people using the rail links more. The A36 Southahmpton road in particular is only going to get worse once the container port at Southampton docks is built, Salisbury needs a by pass to protect the city and let the people who go in and out of it daily to move with greater ease
Which previous Conservative leader do you most admire? Why?
Mrs Thatcher because she brought in the liberal economy which is the power house of our country and which must not be destroyed by heavy taxation and inept government.
What’s been the worst failure of the Labour government?
Choosing only one is difficult, but I think the growth in inequalities over their time, despite the huge amounts of money being spent, is appalling
What has been the most significant achievement by the Labour government?
Getting rid of Tony Blair and his spin master Alastair Campbell
Should we have a referendum ‘about Europe’? When? What question should be asked?
This question is not really relevant now that the Lisbon treaty has been agreed, and the middle of a recession is not the time to start pulling away from our economic partners, but I do support David Cameron who said that their should be no more treaties without a referendum
Would you maintain the minimum wage?
It depends on how fast we can get people back into work in to new jobs. I would certainly support a freeze on its rise at the present moment.
What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of ‘Open Primaries’?
An open primary gives all the people in Salisbury a chance to choose their MP, which is great for democracy and letting people be more involved in the important issues that effect them. I is a long session of 4 or more hours and people like parents with families would struggle to be able to commit to such a length of time.
Would you support Proportional Representation?
No, I was an MEP candidate in the euro elections and saw the BNP get a seat despite having less than 10% of the vote. PR would open the door to extremist parties and make difficult decisions hostage to compromise and deals in a hung parliament.
Is ‘big business’ spoiling football? Should the government be more involved?
It is up to the fans to choose who they wish to support, in a free market they can vote with their feet if they think the game is being spoiled.
What is your favourite:
- piece of music - Fishermans Blues by the water boys
- film - Cassablanca, I love old weepies.
- book - Barchester chronicles, honestly. The human politics is so true even today.
- view of the Cathedral – From the hill by the pepper pot on the A36, the Cathedral and the city lies down nestling between the valleys
I’m afraid I won’t accept comments on any of these political postings. The main reason for this is that there isn’t now time for the candidates to reply. If you do want to take something up with any of them, I’d suggest either the candidate’s own website or the meeting on Sunday 31st. Sorry.
