Election special: importance of voting and businesses speak up
Candidates share why we should all vote and local businesses on how the general election will impact them.
Morning! So, election day is upon us. I for one am elated, although it’ll be a big day for me as a journalist covering my very first general election.
Coming up:
I speak to local businesses about how the election results will impact them
Our New Forest (east and west) candidates’ views on why it’s important to get out and vote today
And…
Click the button below for our special LIVE election updates page!
Keep the page handy on your phone or computer (it’s live from 7am) and refresh for new updates during the day… and especially throughout the night!
Kerri L Watt
Editor
Local businesses on the election and potential results
Andy Pringle, Business Support Manager, Incuhive
“After a challenging period for local business owners, it is hopeful that the election presents an opportunity for the winning party to reassess and enhance the support provided to small businesses.”
Nicky Rudd, Managing Director, Padua Communications
“I want the next government to invest more into our infrastructure and our young people, as well as looking for opportunities for investment for newer greener technologies.
“Seeing a government with a strong majority is crucial to get things done. People are finding life tough, and I think an election is good for changing things up.
“I think the election will affect my business. I feel like there is a lot of uncertainty with the cost-of-living crisis and the global geo-political situation.”
Daniel Sagar, Director, Business Growth Specialist, 91D Ltd
“Small businesses are often the first to feel the impact of tough times or new economic policies. As a vital part of the economy, they need stability.
“Regardless of who takes office, it’s crucial to have policies that support and encourage the growth of small businesses.”
Peter Johnson, Director, Homes of Hampshire
“Elections bring about uncertainty and a clear outcome is likely to bring about a period of political stability. When this is combined with some potential rate cuts from the Bank of England (which is independent of the Government) it is likely to help improve the current sentiment in the housing market.”
Hannah Howley, owner of Howley Coffee Co
“The working class, which is most of this country, deserves better. We are the bread and butter. Without us, there would be no small businesses, no local support groups, no integral charity organizations.
“This election isn't massively important for my business at the current moment. But it's important to the country.”
John Carpenter, Director, New Forest Financial
“This election has the potential to have a huge impact on my industry, financial services and subsequently anyone with a mortgage. After an extremely challenging last eight months or so, with the economy gradually improving, interest rates are beginning to slowly come down, which will provide a relief for a number of people out there.
“That is why I will be supporting the party I believe best suited to support the recovery of the economy and to see further rate reductions towards the latter part of the year.”
In case you missed our ‘meet the candidates’, predictions and trends earlier this week…
Local candidates share why it’s important to get out to vote
All 14 local candidates for New Forest East and New Forest West have been approached for comment. We were able to speak with most candidates and have included parts of our interviews below.
They were asked…
“Why is it important for people to get out and vote on election day?” or “What is your message for people who are unsure that they will vote at all?”
New Forest East Liberal Democrats: Caroline Rackham
“If you don't vote, you can't change anything. If you don't vote, you've taken away your own ability to be able to do anything about these things.
“People often say that previous generations went through so much to be able to vote, that people died. Being able to vote is really important.
“I think people feel that their vote doesn't count for anything. 0We need to have a system that will pull people into the political system.
“I really think education ought to include an understanding of the political system and how it works. So, at least people know who they're voting for when they're voting.”
New Forest East Labour Party - Sasjkia Otto
“I really care about democracy. Now, more than ever, is important to use your vote.
“If things aren't going well for you, the main thing you can do about it right now is vote someone into government, vote a party into government, that you think can listen to you and ensure that your interests are represented in Parliament.”
“Now, more than ever, is important to use your vote.”
Sasjkia Otto, New Forest East Labour Party candidate
New Forest East Green Party - Simon King
“It’s a chance to make your voice heard.
“Everybody should vote if they possibly can. It is only relatively recently in our country’s history that everyone has had the vote. So, I believe we all have a responsibility to use our votes which so many of our ancestors fought for.”
New Forest West Conservative Party - Desmond Swayne
“Think of the extent and sacrifice your four fathers made to secure that vote, particularly the suffragettes. And if you don’t vote you are in no position to complain about the choice other people have made.”
New Forest West Liberal Democrats - Jack Davies
“You only get change if you vote for it. If you don't vote, things stay the same.
“And I think if we don't believe politics can change things, then I think we just give up.
“Speaking as someone who until last year, my biggest majority has been 10, I think it's crucial people get out and vote.”
“You only get change if you vote for it. If you don't vote, things stay the same.”
Jack Davies, New Forest West Liberal Democrats candidate
New Forest West Green Party - Anna Collar
“Every vote matters, no matter how you vote. But every vote for the Greens shows politicians what you are looking for, what you care about, and puts pressure on other parties to act more strongly on green issues, both climate and social justice.
“We need a new plan to put Britain back together again.”
“Every vote matters.”
Anna Collar, New Forest West Green Party candidate
New Forest West Animal Welfare Party - Gavin Ridley
“Voting is a right. I have worked in immigration law previously as a legal representative and met many who face regimes where it is not possible to express one’s political ideas.
“We have a system which not only allows us to speak up for the disadvantaged of our own species, but for all sentient beings and the environment, and that is a marvellous thing. The time to take action for ourselves and others is now.”
New Forest West Reform UK - Reginald Chester-Sterne
“Everyone should use their vote. Britain is broken, and it is time for a change. Vote as you always have, and you will get what you have always got.”
LIVE election updates from New Forest Business News
You can keep the page handy on your phone or computer and refresh to see new updates through the day and night! Live from 7am…
Other candidates for New Forest West are:
Social Democrat Party: Paul Simon
Labour Party: Sally Johnston
And other candidates for New Forest East are:
Conservative Party: Julian Lewis
Animal Welfare Party: Andrew Knight
Reform UK: Roy Swales
Official Monster Raving Loony Party: Mad Hatter