In the final days before the election, we asked our election candidates five very important questions.
We asked each one the same five questions which addressed child safety, youth clubs, sports provisions, and what they would do on day one.
Nine candidates are standing for election and vying for votes on July 4.
Conservative MP Steve Brine has represented the constituency since 2010 but confirmed he would be standing down once an election was called. Replacing him as the conservative candidate is former Meon Valley MP, Flick Drummond.
In Winchester, the candidates in alphabetical order, are: Independent, Chris Barfoot; Liberal Democrat, Danny Chambers; Independent, Kevin D'Cruze; Social Democratic Party, Andrew Davis; Labour, Hannah Dawson; Conservative, Flick Drummond; Green, Lorraine Estelle; Hampshire Independents, Andy Liming; and Reform UK, Sean Whelan.
Andrew Davis - Social Democratic Party
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
We will require all smartphones and similar devices which are supplied to, sold to, or used by under 16s to have age-restricted controls on apps and content.
We will ban the use of smartphones in schools, with each school responsible for collection and storage during school hours. Schools will have the right by law to impound confiscated smartphones for up to 14 days.
The legal age for access to online pornography will be raised to 18 with mandatory age verification.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
The SDP sees the family unit as the basic building block of society and therefore at the heart of policy. Support for family life is a priority, and this includes the provision of Children’s Centres.
I believe that existing provision in Hampshire is reasonably good but understandably focussed on the main urban areas. I would like to ensure that existing centres are ring-fenced from closure, as core public services, and new facilities opened in areas accessible to more remote communities, for example around Alresford.
The SDP wants local authorities to strengthen and increase their capacity for the provision of core public services. We are hot on improving the standard of management in the public domain and driving out wasteful expenditure. We would expect this to allow funds to be released for better service provision. But taxation will also play its part. For example, we are proposing a 2% online tax which will be allocated to civic improvement, which will include facilities in town centres.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
When it comes to sport, I am a trier but not very good at it. I do not have any great insight into how to develop the stars of the future.
Nevertheless, the benefits of sport for the general well-being of the community is clear to me and it is painful how access for young people to sporting facilities has declined over the years and compared to when I was at school.
We intend to allow sporting organisations to lease their grounds and facilities from local authority landlords on long-term leases at a peppercorn rent
We are also going to levy a 1% turnover tax on all Premier League football clubs to fund the construction of new sports grounds and facilities across the country.
Apologies to the school children who may be reading this but we are also going to make our schools introduce a mandatory “daily mile” whereby pupils and staff will have to run, jog or walk at least one mile per day. This is primarily for health and well-being but also to make people fitter to participate in sporting activities.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
I am not sure that it quite fits the definition as it is recognised as a site of special scientific interest and is probably of global renown. However, I am going to say the River Itchen.
Special as it is, whenever I go along, there never seem to be many people around. Much of the riverside in our constituency is inaccessible and parts of it are a little bit grim. The amount of chemical and sewage pollution in it is a disgrace and it is at risk from excessive water extraction. I once saw an otter in the river right in the centre of Winchester near The Weirs. Unfortunately, he emerged next to a couple of beer cans and some other rubbish.
I want to see the river cleaned up and better maintained. I want to see more people using it to walk from Kings Worthy into town, and more people going the other way to visit the pubs in Kings Worthy and Easton. I want to see more businesses based on the river. It is still teeming with wildlife and I am sure that there is a place for more guided walking tours along its banks. Lots of people come to the city for the history and architecture. I would like more of them to venture a bit further out and appreciate the unique environs.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
I am a mere novice in political things and I am not sure what an MP is allowed to do locally. But on day one, I should raise my objections to the Bushfield Camp proposal in its current form.
I understand that the proposal is for a site designed to accommodate more than 3,000 people with 1,055 car parking spaces. That sounds like a lot of unproductive car parking space to me. I think it sends out the wrong message when it comes to addressing our environmental problems. I am sure that a lot of those spaces could be better used for good quality affordable housing for people in our community who may not be able to own a car to get to work but need somewhere to live.
Chris Barfoot - Independent
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) must be made to be responsible for their online content and communications. Listening software already exists to help accomplish this. New laws and prosecution powers must be installed. ISP’s must adhere to promoting revised governmental terms of use and police these laws vigorously. Directors and investors profit from these ISP businesses and must be made accountable for the product or service. Children must be protected at all costs. ISP directors that flout or fail in this should face custodial sentences and even potentially surrender their business to governmentally appointed scrutineers- with powers for the redistribution of assets.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
Dickensian, austere governments have starved our children of appropriate social connection. We of course need to reopen these centres and create youth clubs and government-funded nurseries…
So much of the public purse (your taxes) are wasted on foreign policy.
We need to repair ‘here’ before we can consider the wider world. Some of you will argue against this- but these policies are funded by ‘all’ UK taxpayers. 20% or more of British citizens are destitute or borderline. It’s a very worrying disgrace. We need to bring our house in order, use our taxes to help sustain and advance the lives of our children.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
Every town should have sports facilities, including well-maintained clean pools, track and field space as well as racket sports and gymnasiums.
Larger villages should have these facilities, also. Private hotels in towns lacking facilities should offer public sessions. This is an unusual step, but these amenities are important and new hotels should have this written into infrastructural charters.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
We could help the local economy by helping the National Grid… The Itchen could provide a source of electrical power (Hydropower, or hydroelectric power) which is a renewable source of energy that generates electricity by using a dam or diversion or several- to keep the constituency’s streetlights on- and thus help keep our towns and parishes safer.
I would like to build a film/media village here. It would employ thousands of locals… in all types of jobs and be represented by the major global studios. Moviemaking is an incredibly lucrative business that would bring us great wealth. I would like to build Brollywood- an often-rainy British Hollywood.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
The first thing I would do is create a charter whereby homeless street-folk here- must enter into anti-addiction therapy… I would ensure that they be bathed, given biannual medical/dental checks and clean clothing at least once a month for reasons of public health and help folk psychologically and enable them to start a return to society as more stable, happier individuals.
Let us be responsible for our communities, actually, give a damn and lead the country away from political correctness and toward a more morally correct situation.
Lorraine Estelle - Green Party
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
The Green Party is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our children in the digital age. To protect children online, we will:
Amend the Online Safety Act: Strengthening this act is crucial to safeguarding democracy and preventing the manipulation of political debate by falsehoods, fakes, and half-truths. We will implement stricter regulations to hold online platforms accountable and ensure the integrity of information shared in the digital space.
Enhance Mental Health Support: While full of opportunities, the digital world also poses significant challenges to children's mental health. We will advocate for more accessible and prompt mental health assessments for children within primary care settings, ensuring early intervention and support.
Implement On-site Counsellors: Every primary and secondary school will have trained and paid counsellors available. These professionals will provide essential mental health support, helping children navigate the pressures of online interactions and fostering a safer, more supportive educational environment.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
Children's centres provide crucial services that nurture our children and support their families. We would work with the experts in this constituency to prioritise what new facilities are needed and which existing facilities need support. If elected, the Green Party will champion an additional £3 billion in funding for local authorities to ensure the delivery of high-quality children's care. We will finance this by implementing fair taxation policies, including taxing investment income at the same rate as earned income. By doing so, we can ensure every child can access the care and support they need to thrive.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
Not all children will become Olympians, but access to sports is essential for every child's mental and physical well-being. The Greens aim to protect school playing fields from development by implementing strict planning controls. We want to ensure that school sports facilities are accessible to local clubs and teams outside of teaching hours to maximise their use. Additionally, we aim to empower local authorities to maintain important sports infrastructure such as pools and playing fields. We would also allow local authorities to invest in shares of professional sports clubs in their area to maintain a strong connection between the club and the community. Any dividends paid to the authority must be reinvested into public sports facilities or coaching programs.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
We have many great features both in the city and the countryside. It's a tough choice to pick just one, but St Giles Hill Park would be my choice. It is a beautiful green space, packed with history and an amazing view. Next to the park is St Giles Hill Graveyard, where volunteers do a fantastic job maintaining it and contributing to local biodiversity. The Friends of St Giles Hill Park and St Giles Hill Graveyard have great plans to maintain and improve these assets. St Giles Hill and our other green spaces such as the Meon Valley and South Downs National Park are important attractions for visitors providing them with great experiences whether they are interested in history, nature, views or just taking a lovely walk. Attracting visitors benefits local businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
No one can thrive if they do not have a safe and secure home. Affording a home in this area is increasingly unaffordable, whether you want to buy or rent. Greens would enable the local authority to invest in social housing and ensure that those new homes continue to belong to the community that funds them, Greens would end the right to buy. Alongside this, we would give local authorities the power to control rents when the rental market is overheated. Allowance would be made for maintenance
Hannah Dawson - Labour
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
If this election has convinced me of anything, it’s that we have to do more to protect our children online. Frankly, I’ve been appalled by the amount of abuse levelled towards me on social media, largely by anonymous accounts who hide behind fake pictures and usernames. Obviously, I’m putting myself in the public eye so some level of scrutiny is to be expected, but torrents of abuse are not. I’ve realised that, whilst social media can be a force for good, it can also be an extremely damaging and toxic place for children.
Labour recognises the significant harm young people and children face online, with inappropriate content too easily available at their fingertips on a smartphone, as well as of course bullying and trolling. We also have seen an increase in extreme misogynistic content online driving a culture of violence against women. Labour has a plan to build on the Online Safety Act, bringing forward measures to keep everyone safe online, particularly when using social media. Labour will also bring more power for coroners to command access to information held by social media companies, to ensure thorough investigations and accountability.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
The closure of children’s centres had a devastating impact on our communities. Children’s centres play a crucial role in supporting families and are integral to supporting children’s development, and high-quality early education has the potential to transform life chances, but too often it is unavailable, or unaffordable.
Therefore, as an initial step, Labour will open an additional 3,000 nurseries through upgrading space in primary schools, to deliver the extension of government funded hours families are entitled to. Labour will also enhance the support offered to parents so they can spend more time with their children in those precious early years, and will review the parental leave system, so it best supports working families, within our first year in government.
Labour also has a plan to set up Young Futures Hubs up and down the country. If elected as your MP, I’d fight for one of these to be established as a matter of urgency in Winchester. These hubs will be open-access for children and young people, to establish community connections, and actually receive mental health support as well.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars? (194 words)
Although sports facilities are in decline, we’re incredibly lucky in Winchester to have the Sports and Leisure Park. It’s a brilliant asset and we need to do all we can to encourage young people to use it.
But encouraging greater uptake involves ensuring all young people in the area can access sports, and that they’re not hindered by cost. Several years ago, the City Council used to fund free swimming for children under the age of 16 – a crucial initiative which doesn’t exist today. Encouraging young people to undertake physical activity is absolutely essential – not only is it good for their mental health, it helps them keep fit and prevents obesity. I’d like to see the reintroduction of initiatives like this, which will encourage children to get involved in local activities.
There are also brilliant, and free, activities like the children’s parkrun which takes place in Winchester. I’m an avid parkrunner myself and encouraging the update of free local events like this can help inspire the future generations , whilst also making use of the brilliant green spaces we have in our constituency.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
Across the constituency, we’re absolutely blessed with our natural environment. We have so many wonderful walking and cycling routes, and I think this presents a huge opportunity to boost the local economy.
As MP, I’d encourage local businesses to take full advantage of our natural environment – for example, by encouraging businesses in the city, towns and villages to work with the us to promote cyclist friendly, walker friendly, and even dog friendly policies to promote “shop and work local” policies and boost our local economy.
One way we’ll need to get there, however, is by boosting local transport links. Many of our villages have such irregular bus services that this hinders people from getting out and about to explore the best that our area has to offer. Labour has a plan to let communities take back control of bus services – to ensure our public transport routes work for our communities, and that includes boosting access to our rural areas. If elected as your MP, I’ll work to deliver this as a priority.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
As I’ve said throughout my campaign, my first and absolute priority is to listen to local people. That involves, from day one if I’m elected, holding an open surgery for all residents to come and speak to me so they can communicate what the most important thing they’d like to see changed is.
However, one crucial thing I’d do from day one is meet with local government in the area, in particular with Hampshire County Council about their drastic budget cuts, which so many constituents have raised with me as a huge concern. As an MP, of course, I have no control over the council budget- but I think it’s crucial as a representative of Winchester to meet with the council and push any alternatives that can be considered. Some of the proposals are shocking, in particular for child and adult social care, for homelessness support, for our roads, school crossing patrols, and even our street lighting. I think this is the most urgent and looming issue which will affect people’s lives in Winchester, so it’s imperative to take action to see what can be done from day one.
Sean Whelan - Reform UK
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
There are many things we can do to protect our children online and Reform UK have plans to invest more money into more advanced forms of Cyber security to protect them.
However there is also a massive commitment to the parents to install shutdown times on wifi and limit the times and what sites our children visit and who they are talking to, I dont believe the responsibility should fall on just the government.
It is all about encouraging our children to also be safe and educate them on the dangers without scaring them. Therefore a massive effort is required to make this work by all concerned and we will support and launch a campaign from both ends to try and make a massive difference.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
I feel Winchester has great facilities in place for our children and we are very lucky to see many green spaces along with good leisure facilities. Our University is an excellent facility and the centres of excellence like Peter Symmonds indirectly have a profound effect on the children of Winchester as these establishments will feed cash and initiatives for better facilities to be used for children and the future students of Winchester. We have excellent leisure facilities and we also have a very traditional English heritage which is also a great asset to the children of Winchester.
I would recommend we try to work to our strengths and look at more specialised services like adventure groups, acting, swimming and good youth clubs. We would also encourage full support from scouts cubs Guides and brownies to help our children become interested in our values and traditions after all they are the future.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
We have to improve on what we have got which isn't the worst in the country The universities and colleges in our city would be encouraged to constantly review sports facilities and seek more grants to keep us ahead of the game i feel we are very lucky to have the excellent facilities we have.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
For me, it's the people of Winchester who are the greatest unsung asset. Not enough credit goes out to them and how they love their city, we should launch a scheme that will try and prevent the rent and property crisis to stop people born raised and educated in Winchester from having to leave to live and work. They are the biggest asset and we need to protect them.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
Stop the plan to move the A&E to Basingstoke and introduce more incentives for employers to move their business to Winchester, we are perfectly located and I am mystified why we don't have more businesses moving away from London we should work on incentives to make this happen. This happened in Caerphilly in south Wales and many businesses relocated out of London driven by incentives. It grew the area and offered thousands of jobs.
Kevin D'Cruze - Independent
What would you and your party do to protect children online?
Protecting children should be the parent's responsibility. There are Apps like those on NSPCC website which are very useful and are validated by professionals and I would guide parents to here.
A recent study has shown that almost 2,000 children's centres have closed down in the UK since 2010. What facilities would you like to open in this constituency, and how would you fund them?
Since the days of austerity from 2010 over 1400 Sure Start Centres have been closed. They have prevented thousands of hospitalisations. It is crass irresponsibility for the Government to have closed these vital family centres with hubs which are just not good enough. Funding from local councils and charities should be sought to fund these when the Government seemingly has no money.
Other facilities, like sports pitches and swimming pools have also been in decline since 2010 - what could be done locally to encourage the next generation of Olympians and future Euros stars?
Sponsor local athletes locally to encourage local participation through advertising. Call upon national heroes in sports to come to meet youngsters in schools and colleges.
Which unique feature is this area's greatest unsung asset? And how would you use it to improve the local economy?
The best asset is Winchester’s people and we should encourage more Community centres and recognise that we have thousands of tourists who flock here every year to see Winchester and appreciate its rich history. We need to build on this. And also our Military links with the British Army and the Gurkha Museum.
If elected, what local change will you make on day 1?
Campaign for more toilets in Winchester High St! And to reduce business rates for small and medium businesses. There’s only ONE toilet building in the High St and families and tourists find it an inconvenience! (Forgive the pun!)
Also have separate recycling bins in the High St. They are not clearly marked at all. Just all black bins and hardly noticeable. They need to be highlighted!
Redevelopment of the bus station would be a good idea and get more people walking and taking buses. Would like to see if a Tram Network would be feasible in Winchester.
Danny Chambers, Flick Drummond, and Andy Liming were all contacted by the Hampshire Chronicle but did not reply.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel