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The We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024 were conducted by Gadget Man, Matt Porter, the founder of We Love Hitchin. Matt took the initiative to interview each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the General Election, providing an in-depth look at their visions and plans for the community.
Welcome to the We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024! As part of our series, we are sitting down with each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the upcoming General Election on the 4th of July 2024. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Chris Lucas, the Liberal Democrat Party candidate for Hitchin.
Join us as we delve into Chris Lucas’s vision for Hitchin, exploring his plans for economic stability, public safety, and community development. Discover his stance on key issues such as infrastructure, business support, and education. Chris shares his dedication to fostering a prosperous and secure future for Hitchin and its residents.
Interview Breakdown
00:00 Opening Titles 00:15 Introduction 01:13 Background and Motivation: Chris Lucas discusses his background and what motivated him to run for election in the new Hitchin Constituency.
03:23 Q1: Cost of Living Crisis
- 03:43 A1: Chris Lucas outlines measures to help families struggling with the rising cost of living.
- 06:04 Q1A: Do the Lib Dems want to rejoin the EU?
- 06:20 A1A: Chris Lucas addresses the party’s stance on rejoining the EU.
11:20 Q2: NHS and Healthcare
- 11:40 A2: Chris’s plans to improve healthcare services, reduce waiting times, and address staffing shortages.
16:40 Q3: Economy
- 17:13 A3: Strategies to address inflation, unemployment, and ensure economic stability.
19:53 Q4: Climate Change and Environment
- 20:08 A4: Measures to promote environmental sustainability in Hitchin.
24:10 Q5: Crime
- 24:25 A5: Plans to improve personal safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in the community.
31:00 Q6: Housing
- 32:05 A6: Addressing the housing crisis, particularly focusing on affordability and availability for younger people and those on lower incomes.
40:32 Q7: Roads
- 41:05 A7: Plans to improve the condition of roads and address issues like potholes.
Community Questions
44:44 Andrea’s Question on Water Companies
- 45:18 CQA1: Chris’s response to bringing water companies back into public ownership.
47:17 Caroline’s Question on Waspies Compensation
- 48:30 CQA2: Chris discusses the issue of compensation for ‘Waspies’.
50:34 Nyland and Lauren’s Question on Gaza War and Palestine Recognition
- 50:49 CQA3: Chris’s stance on providing arms or assistance in the Gaza conflict and recognizing Palestine.
53:31 Vanessa and Nicola’s Question on Special Education Needs
- 56:30 CQA4: Chris addresses concerns regarding SEN provision and pledges improved support and resources.
01:03:21 Chris Addresses the Voters
- 01:03:36: Chris makes his closing appeal to the voters, explaining why they should vote for him on the 4th of July.
01:05:12 Thanks and Wrapping Up 01:06:46 End Titles
Election Results for Hitchin Constituency 2024
The General Election results for the Hitchin Constituency have been announced. Here are the final tallies:
- Bim Afolami (The Conservative Party Candidate): 14,958 votes
- Charles Bunker (Reform UK): 6,760 votes
- Sid Cordle (Christian Peoples Alliance): 181 votes
- Will Lavin (Green Party): 2,631 votes
- Chris Lucas (Liberal Democrats): 4,913 votes
- Alistair Strathern (Labour Party): 23,067 votes – Elected
Congratulations to Alistair Strathern, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Hitchin! His victory marks a significant shift in the constituency, and we look forward to seeing his plans for Hitchin come to fruition.