Response to the Wokingham Times Article (January)

On January 22, 2010 the Wokingham Times reported my decision to run as an Independent candidate in the forthcoming General Election. There follows my response to the article, and in particular a comment made by Prue Bray:

In the article Prue Bray, the Lib Dem candidate, stated that she didn’t think “he knows what he is letting himself in for”. I would like to put the record straight by informing the readers that I am very aware of what I am letting myself in for and in addition, I believe I have the experience to be a credible alternative to the usual parties that present themselves at every election.

• I have built a company in one of industry’s toughest and most competitive markets. TradeMark has been responsible for 70 million pounds worth of turnover and consistently employed over 50 people in the past 17 years.
• I spent my formative years working in rural Berkshire on a farm managed by my father.
• I have been self employed ever since leaving university.
• I am President of The Wokingham Chamber of Commerce.
• I sit on the Berkshire Economic Strategy Board - the aim is to consolidate and enhance the sub region's position as the economic power house for the UK and beyond.
• I am chairman of the Wokingham Borough Business, Skills and Enterprise Partnership.
• I am a member of the Wokingham Borough Strategic Partnership Board.
• I have been governor in Berkshire schools for the past 20 years.
• I am a member of the South East Young Enterprise Board.
• I am Chairman of the Trustees of the disabled children's charity; Building for The Future.
• I am a Trustee of Emmbrook Sports and Social Club.
• I am President/Chairman of Wokingham & Emmbrook Football Club.
• I am a Vice President of Wokingham Cricket Club and Bracknell Rugby Club.
• I am a Berkshire Rugby Referee and regularly run half marathons.

Therefore Prue, I do know what I am ‘letting myself in for’. I have the background skills and experience to truly represent the independent thinking of the Wokingham and West Berkshire electorate. If given the honour, I will be proud to represent us all at Westminster.
I call on all politicians, local and national; don’t try to intimidate someone who wants to make a difference, it didn’t work on me. Parliament should not be an exclusive club for political parties, it’s every person’s right to be involved in the democratic process and stand up for what they think is right. I am delighted Prue acknowledges this in the article.
I really look forward to a positive campaign of respect in our Wokingham and West Berkshire constituency at the forthcoming General Election.

Mark