The LDRS invited each of the candidates to tell you about themselves by providing a short personal statement. Where the candidate did not provide a statement, the LDRS has sought to reproduce election material published by the parliamentary hopefuls elsewhere.
Caroline Ansell, The Conservative Party Candidate.
As Eastbourne’s local champion with national influence, I have helped secure a massive one billion pounds of investment – to protect people’s homes, livelihoods and our heritage; for treatment in state-of-the art health services, for skills training and new job opportunities and so much more. I fought for our place in the New Hospital Programme and need to see those plans through; it was a life-saving NHS experience for my little boy which led me into politics, so the NHS is in my DNA. I’ve brought in potential developers to provide affordable homes and the security that brings to unlock the potential 1000 new homes across sites in Eastbourne like Debenhams. Four generations of my family live in Eastbourne, I couldn’t be more invested in our town’s future. My vision is for this to be the best place to grow up, live, work, start a business and retire.
Mark Ashdown, Reform UK.We would all like to make the world a better place. The difference then, would be how this is achieved. We all have different ideas, knowledge and experience. I’ve worked for a number of companies who are basically doing the same thing but in different ways. It soon becomes clear that some are doing it better than others. It’s the same with running a country. After passing an interview and a background check, I was asked to fill the vacancy for the Reform UK candidate for Eastbourne. This would enable those wanting to vote Reform UK the opportunity to do so rather than just voting for the same old. In a general election we will elect someone to Parliament where the critical decisions are made for the country, this will either make the lives of the people in Eastbourne and nationally easier or worse. I think Eastbourne could do with some new blood.
Josh Babarinde, Liberal Democrat.
“As an Eastbourne lad, born and bred, I love our town. We’ve been through a lot these last few years but we’ve got so much going for us. I want to get our town back to its best. I want us to be known as the most family-friendly town around.That’s why I’m fighting against downgrades to DGH paediatrics and maternity, which have happened on the Conservatives’ watch. I want our beaches to be pristine again. That’s why I’m campaigning against Southern Water’s dumping of raw sewage in our sea — and why I believe it’s appalling this Government is allowing them to make big money. I want us to support those struggling most. That’s why I worked with the Council to provide emergency funding to our Foodbank, which has become the busiest in the UK. I’ll keep fighting for our town — and I’ll always put Eastbourne first as our MP.”
Ian Garbutt, UK Independence Party (UKIP).The LDRS reached out to Mr Garbutt’s agents to invite him to take part in this article, but did not receive a response by time of publication. The LDRS was unable to find any election material published in Mr Garbutt’s name online.
Mike Munson, Green Party.
Eastbourne is the eighth safest LibDem seat in the country according to YouGov projections. But LibDems still tell you ‘It’s close”. “Winning here” mostly through you voting AGAINST the Conservatives. Should misleading statements and limiting democratic choice elect a trusted MP? VOTE FOR massive investment in NHS and Social Care, in your health and in our economy’s health. For improving delivery in the EDGH, GP surgeries, and dentists. For reversing privatisation. VOTE FOR building social housing and houses you need, not housing that profits developers most. For local rent caps, renters’ rights. For commonhold arrangements replacing leasehold.VOTE FOR protecting our environment and investing in new green industries. For making polluters pay. For putting public utilities into public ownership. No one should profit from water. FOR climate action. Tell Labour you’re FOR real hope, real change. Get real, vote Green.
Paul Richards, Labour and Co-operative Party.
Paul Richards is the Labour and Co-operative candidate for Eastbourne. He is a writer. He was a candidate for police and crime commissioner in May across Sussex. Paul is a veteran Labour campaigner. He stood for Parliament in 1997 and 2001 and was an adviser to two Cabinet ministers. Paul’s priorities are saving the NHS, ending sewage in the sea, tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, and bringing down bills with the new GB Energy firm. Paul has lived in the Old Town for 15 years with his family and enjoys walking in the Downs. Paul says, “I love Eastbourne. That’s why I chose to live here. But I know it could be so much better. We must clean up the shopping areas, tackle crime, sort out the trains, and fill in the potholes. We need change.”

1. Ballot box
Ballot box Photo: Will Durrant/LDRS

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Caroline Ansell, Conservative. Pic: Contributed Photo: Contributed

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Josh Babarinde, LibDem. Pic: Contributed Photo: Contributed

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Mark Ashdown. Pic: Contributed Photo: Contributed