Like you, I really thought things might start to improve last summer when we finally got rid of the incompetent and corrupt Conservative government, but since then pensioners’ winter fuel payments have gone, the two-child benefit cap hasn’t been scrapped, and now the Labour government is targeting the disabled, by reducing PIP benefits.
The cost-of-living crisis deepens for working people, as energy bills soar, and meanwhile the wealthy get richer and richer. The Green Party is now the only progressive party left in British politics; that’s why I’m standing for mayor.
Having lived in South Cambridgeshire for 45 years and directed the Cambridge office of a national construction company for 15 years, I understand business, I’m passionate about sustainability, and the importance of developing the skills of local people.
Watching how our politicians are failing residents has made me determined to drive meaningful change. Since retiring from paid work, I co-founded the FutureIN programme, which supports young people at risk of homelessness by helping them find work in construction. I’m also a trustee of It Takes a City CLT, developing small housing sites for the homeless in Greater Cambridge. As chair of the local Green Party and with my experience of managing teams, I bring strong leadership skills, underpinned by unwavering ethical values.
The rapid growth of our region driven by the life sciences and IT sectors has brought prosperity for some but also a housing crisis, failing infrastructure and deepening inequality, while public investment is missing the mark. Working people have been left to bear the brunt of rising costs, hitting low-income households most. Meanwhile, our vulnerability to climate change – through water shortages, flooding and biodiversity loss – demands urgent action.
I will ensure development is carefully managed, prioritising the needs of the many over the few. I’ll deliver an integrated transport system, with more buses on more routes with simple and affordable fares. I’ll invest to end homelessness, fight for tenants’ rights and campaign for rent controls. I’ll build more social housing because affordable housing simply isn’t. I’ll ensure that housing developments include community facilities, and that homes are properly insulated.
We cannot ignore the looming water crisis any longer – I’ll take action to get it sorted, and I want to see more space for nature across the region.
We need to increase support for small businesses, and we need to grow the green economy too.
Last month YouGov reported that 78 per cent of us would like to see extreme wealth taxed rather than have any more cuts to public services. But the other parties aren’t listening – we are, that’s our policy. The BBC recently reported that 80 per cent of us want more government action on climate change. But the two major parties are rowing back on the country’s net zero commitment. We’re not.
The Green Party is the only party listening to you on these issues. If you want real hope and real change that will deliver a better world for you and your children, vote Green.
Bob Ensch
Green Party candidate for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor