Former Stratford mayor Kevin Taylor reveals why he’s standing in the general election
WHEN the nominations for the general election closed on Friday (7th June), there were a few surprises in store, including seeing the name Kevin Taylor on the list.
The former Stratford mayor, 61, is standing as an independent because, he says, he’s seen people’s disillusionment with the political system at both local and national level.
“I was motivated because of the major concerns people in Stratford district have with politicians and the way things are being run,” he said. “They are crying out for change and someone local to represent them and for me this is the ideal opportunity.”
With the election fast approaching on 4th July, Mr Taylor has got his work cut out, but he’s already decided on his campaign plan: no leaflets through doors, just attend as many civic events as possible and get his face known to those who have not heard of him. While people in his home town of Stratford may recall him being a Lib Dem town councillor and mayor in 2021-22, those in other parts of the constituency may still be in the dark.
“I am a people person,” he added. “I will turn up at events and go to any event I can find and speak to people face-to-face. Whether it’s Stratford, Henley, Alcester or Shipston what’s the difference how well known you are? I know a lot of people across the district from my time as Table Tennis England project manager. I’m not representing anyone else, purely Kevin Taylor and if elected MP of Stratford I’d give disillusioned people more power and fight their causes.”
His tenure as Stratford’s mayor was a full-on 12 months packed with engagements and he helped breathe energy into the town hit hard by the Covid pandemic.
After his mayoral year, Mr Taylor continued to serve on Stratford Town Council, standing down ahead of the local elections last year.
“I served four years with the Liberal Democrats and I’m eternally grateful to be mayor of this town,” he said. “Looking back I would have liked to have spent more time doing things for the town. I never lost my interest in the area and gave a lot to the town when I was mayor. To be honest I struggled to find a job afterwards but now I’m a commercial manager for a logistics company in Stourbridge.”
So, what policies will people get if they vote Kevin Taylor?
“Why do I need policies?” Mr Taylor responded. “Stratford is a town of two halves. I’ve lived in Stratford since 2005 and in various areas so I’ve seen it and the policies I care about are the ones that affect people and how I can get the best for them. I want to fight their corner because we need more hospitals, more doctors, more schools and getting our roads into a decent shape. Look at Bishopton where 800 new homes have been built. There’s only one tiny, little primary school and no leisure centre so people have to drive through town to get to the existing leisure centre. It’s about how I can get the best should I get elected.”
He chose to stand as an independent on 3rd June and paid half of the £500 deposit – the other £250 was paid for by “local entrepreneurs”.
He added that he is looking forward to the challenge of competing with six others to become the town’s next MP.
“I’ve got a packed diary and I’m campaigning from now on. If anyone wants to know anything about me they can contact me. “I always want the best in everything I do for this town. Whatever happens, the next few weeks are going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
