James Purchase
Mid and South Pembrokeshire
Personal Statement of James Purchase
I became frustrated and disillusioned with my direct actions with Extinction Rebellion in London, Cardiff, local authority offices, banks, monthly peace vigils etc as the powers that be, either ignore demonstrators or send them to prison. We did, I know, bring to the wider public’s attention, the concerns that the few and now the large majority of people have – regarding climate change. This year however, I felt I needed to move on to the despised but more powerful political arena. Hence, having been a Green Party member for four years with no local party, I was encouraged by Lauren James GP Wales organiser to revive the Pembrokeshire Green Party. We are a small but vibrant party and I’m instrumental in organising meetings, social events and art / poetry pop-up shops to engage with the public.
I have decided to stand to become possibly the UK’s first Not – For – Profit Member of Parliament!
I will donate my salary (after tax) and have it put into a charitable fund administered by my previous Pembroke accountancy firm, to be distributed to worthy, non-partisan, green initiatives in Pembs. I have enough money, with my state and works pensions to live happily. An example of, ‘It’s not compulsory be a millionaire to be an MP!’. I would, of course, take expenses for trips to Westminster.
Well, that’s why I would like to represent the fair folk of Pembrokeshire now here’s who I am:
I’m fit and healthy; indeed, I did physical building work up until my retirement last year. As a retiree I have the time and eagerness to campaign. Father of two daughters (hence no ego), grandad to three scallywags. Widowed but now married to an amazing wife. Became a bricklayer at 18 and won the coveted Silver Trowel, went on to study construction technology at a Polytechnic (now university), became a member of the Chartered Institute of Building, Qualified as a teacher, taught construct technology for six years, ran my own building company for ten years, lived on Caldey island for 20 years (learnt a lot about farming and God) became a volunteer fire fighter, went back into teaching and became Senior Curriculum Leader (head of dept) took early retirement when my first wife became ill. Eventually I took up watercolour painting, creative writing, performance poetry and then finally my true vocation… Morris Dancing!
Vote Green for a breath of fresh air!
Real Hope Real Change!
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