Former MP and CEO of Chamber UK, Ben Howlett goes on the campaign trail with Labour Candidates in Milton Keynes and is surprised to find out what real people are thinking outside the Westminster bubble.
Ben Howlett
CEO of Chamber UK and CuriaAs the gambling scandal rumbles on through the Westminster bubble, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the political ‘establishment’ may be out of touch with the concerns of everyday citizens. While MPs and pundits are engrossed in the minutiae of the controversy, real people on the doorsteps have other pressing issues on their minds.
Chamber UK has been with Parliamentary Candidates across the country speaking to real people who will decide whether it is Sir Keir Starmer or Rishi Sunak that will be the next Prime Minister after July 4th. This week, I visited Milton Keynes North and Milton Keynes Central to find out more about what people are really saying on the doorstep and the response was surprising.
Milton Keynes, a key battleground at the 2024 General Election, exemplifies this disconnect. Historically, the city has swung between the major parties, reflecting a microcosm of the national political landscape. However, during my recent campaign trail with Labour candidates, a notable shift became apparent: it was extremely difficult to find anyone willing to admit they were voting Conservative. In fact, not a single person explicitly stated they were supporting the Conservatives.
We all know the collapse in the Conservative vote is stark, but I had not anticipated the collapse to be this big in a city with two serving Conservative MPs.
Meet The Candidates on the Campaign Trail
Chris Curtis is the Parliamentary Candidate for Milton Keynes North. As the first candidate to fight an election who was born in Milton Keynes Curtis is known for his commitment to addressing local issues and bringing a fresh perspective to the constituency. Fiercely articulate, he has previously worked for pollsters Opinium and YouGov and is seen as a rising star within the Labour movement. With a background in community service and a focus on practical solutions, Curtis aims to tackle key concerns such as healthcare, cost of living, and public services, reflecting the needs and voices of Milton Keynes North residents.
Emily Darlington, the Parliamentary Candidate for Milton Keynes Central, brings a wealth of experience and a strong dedication to her campaign. With a proven track record in local government as the Cabinet Member for Community Safety on Milton Keynes City Council and is a strong advocate for social justice, Darlington is focused on creating positive change in her constituency. Her campaign prioritises improving public services, supporting vulnerable communities, and ensuring that the concerns of Milton Keynes Central residents are effectively represented in Parliament.
To read about Chamber UK’s ‘on the campaign trail’ with Emily Darlington, click the link in the photo below.
What Real People Are Saying
On the doorsteps of Milton Keynes, the conversations were far removed from the scandal consuming London. Instead, the discussions centred around the tangible issues affecting daily lives. One particularly heartbreaking encounter was with a deaf woman grappling with the rising cost of living. She shared the story of her cat’s death from cancer and her inability to afford the veterinary bills, underscoring the financial strain many are facing. More poignantly, she expressed deep frustration with the NHS. After her own cancer diagnosis, she was forced to wait an agonising 16 weeks for a referral. Her plea was simple yet profound: someone needs to sort out the NHS.
This sentiment was echoed in various forms throughout my time in Milton Keynes. Watching each of the candidates eloquently and empathetically address the concerns of voters on their doorsteps, you could see two exceptionally hard-working candidates who really care. Healthcare, cost of living, and public services dominated the concerns of residents. One woman posed two exceptionally challenging questions about Gaza and trans rights, reflecting a desire for a nuanced and considered approach from her MP. Her moderate stance on these complex issues highlighted a broader expectation for thoughtful and balanced representation, rather than the polarised and often superficial debates seen in Parliament.
Electoral Impact
Milton Keynes serves as a barometer for the nation’s political climate. Yet, the current mood suggests a growing disillusionment with traditional party loyalties, driven by a sense that their incumbent representatives are not addressing the real issues at hand. Both Darlington and Curtis have clearly realised that the fundamental way to encourage people to vote for them is to not only show that they care, but to demonstrate that they are delivering on their promises.
As the Westminster bubble continues its naval gazing over the gambling scandal, it is imperative to recognise that the rest of the country is yearning for a government and parliament that focus on their genuine concerns. There is a palpable demand for MPs to prioritise their duty to the public and tackle the pressing problems facing their constituents.
To make a meaningful impact in the next five to ten years, a new government must address the myriad failures within public services. From healthcare to cost of living, these are the issues that will define the success or failure of future administrations. The stories from Milton Keynes are a stark reminder that while political scandals may dominate the headlines, the real measure of success lies in resolving the everyday challenges that affect millions of lives.
Final Thought
It is crucial for our political leaders to step out of the Westminster echo chamber and listen to the voices of their constituents. For new MPs, it will be incredibly important to ensure they are known for action from day one, by embedding themselves in the community. Curtis and Darlington are clearly already doing this with meetings and visits already planned should they win next week. They have already realised the power of incumbency and they haven’t won yet!
The residents of Milton Keynes, and indeed the entire country, are calling for practical solutions and effective governance. It is time to move beyond the scandals and focus on delivering the public services and support that people desperately need. Only then can we hope to restore faith in our political system and ensure a better future for all.
To find the full list of candidates please visit www.whocanivotefor.com
To access the other articles of Chamber UK out on the campaign trail with other parliamentary candidates, please click here. Or alternatively visit our YouTube channel, and subscribe!
