MICHAEL WHARTON

WISHING TREE

Hastings Green Party is very pleased to announce Mike Wharton as the candidate for Wishing Tree.

I’m from humble working-class roots. I have always been politically interested, studying Sociology and Globalisation at university. I’ve worked in a variety of roles from selling potatoes on the roadside to factory work, hospitality, fundraising, and customer services. I’ve had periods of unemployment, struggling to find work, surviving on state benefits. I worked for Manchester City Council for over 5 years, where my interest in local politics grew.

I firmly hold the founding principles of the Green Party – protecting people and environment over profit – as vital to our community. I have lived in many different areas, but Hastings has something truly special about it. We have a full calendar of events every year; we have a soul, a vibrancy, a uniqueness and deep history that we delight in sharing with the rest of the country and the world.

Much of the economic stability in Hastings and St Leonards comes from domestic tourism. Our town thrives on small independent businesses, family run enterprises, and community interest companies providing non-profit services; the wealth created by the town, benefiting the people of the town. We therefore need a council that does as much as it can to provide support for its local small businesses to thrive. They, in turn, provide employment to local people, spend their capital on local suppliers, helping create a circular local economy.

We need to help local people into stable, quality homes, and restrict buy-to-let investors from out of town. We need to keep our beaches swimmable, and not have sewage dumped into the rivers and seas. We need our venues to be vibrant, exciting and successful attractions once more, not closed down by extortionate rents.

I am standing in Wishing Tree because I relate to many of the issues of neglect and deprivation this area faces. I live nearby and enjoy walking in Gillsman’s Wood and Hollington Park, but sadly all too often I see fly-tipping, litter, graffiti, and other signs of a forgotten area. The small businesses on Battle Road are struggling, and many have had to close. I would be honoured to represent the residents of Wishing Tree, to fight for local businesses and residents and help restore a sense of pride and prosperity here.

#votegreen#May2024#wishingtreeward

Promoted by Ken Davis on behalf of Mike Wharton & Hastings Green Party C/O 130 Bohemia Rd Hastings TN376RP