I am standing for election AMA (except what party I'm standing for!)

[CandidateX]

Any questions at all about the process, but not about the politics, which are talked about all over MN already. I have a very busy morning ahead, but should be back to answer questions around lunch time, or a bit later.

How exciting!

How are you predicted to do?

Do you currently work and how does that fit alongside campaigning, plus what happens if you are elected? Do you quit immediately?

Is this your first time?
Why do you want to be an MP? Not asking in a sarcastic way! For local issues you are interested in, or to be part of the larger party to try and influence society?

Is it a safe seat for your party?

Well, I am not expecting to win, but it isn't impossible - employers are required to give paid time off for standing for election, so I've been taking two days a week, one paid, one unpaid. This is what I asked for. I don't know how much more I could have asked for, but I've got weekends and evenings too, of course. And yes, if I get elected, I immediately leave my current job.

If you work inn certain professions where it is illegal to stand for election, then you have to resign first, but most places will hold your jo open for you to return to, for a couple of months. The candidate in the next constituency along is a civil servant, so has had to resign to stand. I he gets elected, he won't return, but if he doesn't, he can take his old job up again on July 5th

For local and national issues! I mostly want to be an MP because I am a normal person, not a career politician, and not a millionaire, and I think that more normal people should be in parliament. Although, it is difficult to full fill the requirements without a certain income, which I also find wrong.

If elected, do you believe you should vote on in parliament:

• to represent the view of the majority of your constituency
• in line with your chosen party
• always based on your personal view

No, we are unlikely to win. About 75% chance that it will go to the current sitting MP.

Have you appeared on Matt Forded podcast ‘the political party’ which aims to interview a candidate in every constituency ( if not, would you consider it).

Well, these things are likely to coincide, much of the time, as I chose the party which does closest represent my personal views, and if I was voted in, that would presumably mean that the largest group in my constituency agrees.

It is impossible to generalise, as it would depend on the vote. Normally I would vote as my party wanted, unless there was a reason many of my constituency wanted something else.

Have you been involved in politics before?
What do your family think?

No, I have not been asked to! And yes, I would consider it.

You have to put yourself forward for it! Email him!

[email protected]

No I have not been involved in politics before, except going on demonstrations sometimes and that sort of thing. My family are very proud of me and all say they are voting for me. I am quite touched by that. The reason one of them gave was that they want more politicians "with compassion" so I was very proud my son thinks that of me.

Will do!

Just leaving now - will be back later. Thank you for your interest x

Is it true that candidates have to fund much of the campaign themselves?

Not normally. Maybe in some parties, I don't know. it is true that there is a limit candidates can spend, and they have to account for every penny spent. For example, I spent £11 on paper and photocopying, and that has to be declared. If I use a stamp that has to be declared! I do know a candidate in this constituency who made a donation to his party to help raise the cost of his deposit, but that is quite unusual I think. Candidates may well make donations, but not specifically towards their own deposit

Have you done much door knocking? How has that experience been?

Now I've really got to run!

How much abuse have you had?

How many people in your local party are there who are actively doing things to elect you?

How much money has it cost you personally to stand? (How much have you donated to the party)

What is a woman?

How important are legal definitions when making law?

What are the checks and balances in the UK?

Do you not get a bit depressed and despondent when you consider that you only have a, very small chance of winning?
Do you ever think - what is the point of me doing this?
TBH I wonder this about every green party candidate outside of Brighton!

Have any of your friends or colleagues come out with different politics than you expected?

Have you taken part in hustings? How have you found that? I went to one i our constituency and you could tell one of the candidates was nervous but she did well.

I love it. I was really nervous at first, but now it is one of the highlights of my week. Meeting local people and having a real nosy about what is going on in their lives, and what they are thinking - how many times in life can you go up to a complete stranger and say "so, tell me what matters to you" - it is so interesting and eye opening a lot of the time. Everyone has their own point of view, all different, all personal. I really like this side of the campaigning.

Abuse, a couple of times a day, I am a teacher, so totally immune to it. I get just as much in school. Worse than personal abuse, is the heart breaking stories you hear, and the devastating emotions you witness at times.

About 200 people are actively doing things to elect me, and more are dipping in and out.

I have not donated anything to the party. it has cost be a couple of hundred pounds to get the recommended security system for my home. And a bit more for some smart clothes. And a bit more for a decent web cam.

I think the next two are a bit political, so I will leave them out, and I am not sure I understand what you are getting at with the last question.