In exactly two years time, Birmingham residents will be voting in the 2015 General Election. Birmingham Conservatives took this opportunity to interview Rachel Maclean who was recently chosen as the PPC for Birmingham Northfield.
BC: Hi Rachel, congratulations on becoming the PPC for Northfield! So why did you apply to be a candidate in Birmingham?
RM: I love Birmingham. It’s where I’ve grown up, chosen to make my family home and lived for virtually all my adult life. Its also a great place for business, as I know from my experience of growing our book publishing business and creating 40 jobs. But I believe Birmingham deserves better.
BC: In what ways do you think Birmingham deserves better?
RM: For too long, we have been in the grip of Labour politicians both locally and nationally. Labour takes Birmingham and the people of Birmingham for granted. I want to change that. Birmingham must take its place as Britain’s great second city, at the heart of our country.
BC: Sounds like a great plan. What is going to drive our local economy to put Birmingham back where it should be?
RM: Our local economy has changed enormously during my lifetime, and its true we have lost much of our manufacturing and industrial base. But my experience in the business community is that the people of Birmingham are some of the most enterprising, resilient hard working and creative people anywhere in the country. It is this enterprise driving fast growing -industries, like the creative, digital, media, professional services, hospitality and technology sectors that will propel us to wealth and prosperity.
BC: The challenge seems to be creating the right environment for enterprise to flourish in Birmingham.
RM: Yes, we need to equip people with the right skills for businesses to grow. I am passionate about educating young people so personally I set up a not for profit charity, Skills for Birmingham, to tackle this head on.
BC: As a party the Conservatives have focused on youth unemployment too.
RM: It is a priority for Conservatives nationally, and we have created jobs since coming to power. And on a personal level, through Skills for Birmingham, we created the Birmingham Baccalaureate, after talking to hundreds of local employers. Businesses tell me that there are jobs here, for local young people – but they lack the right skills. The Baccalaureate will mean young people are no longer consigned to poor quality vocational education that is not fit for purpose.
BC: So what are the challenges in Northfield?
RM: In Northfield, our challenge is driving hard for the regeneration we need to bring prosperity back to the area. The Longbridge Town Centre will soon be opening bringing much needed jobs and recreational facilities. But we can’t stop there. Northfield, on the outer edges of Birmingham, is in danger of being forgotten by the Labour run administration. It needs an MP who can stand up for it and ensure it gets its fair share of support for growth, great schools and public services.
BC: You mention that Northfield is on the edge of Birmingham, what do you think Birmingham needs as a city?
RM: Our city needs the policies of a Conservative majority government to flourish and prosper. Taking hard working people on low incomes out of tax. Slashing taxes and red tape on businesses which create the jobs our city needs. Having a controlled approach to immigration and giving people a say on whether to be in or out of Europe. Better schools for all children. We are on the right track.
BC: Two years today local residents will be filing in and out of polling stations, what kind of MP do you think you’d make?
RM: First of all, if I am elected it will be a privilege to support the success of Birmingham Northfield and play my part in the success of our city and country. I will be a local constituency MP, putting Birmingham Northfield residents first and last; always focusing on their concerns above all others.
BC: Thanks for speaking to us Rachel and good luck with the campaign!
RM: Thanks, I look forward to working with all Birmingham Conservatives over the next two years!