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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.
You can view the interview below or listen to the podcast episode by clicking the play-head above.
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 Bim Afolami, the Conservative Party candidate.
Join us as we delve into Bim Afolami’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. Bim shares his dedication to fostering a prosperous and secure future for Hitchin and its residents.
Interview Breakdown
00:00 Opening Titles 00:09 Welcome from Matt Porter, Founder of We Love Hitchin Facebook Group 01:09 Welcome to Bim Afolami
- 01:16 Background and Motivation: Bim shares his background and explains his motivation for running in the new Hitchin Constituency.
02:06 Q1: Cost of Living Crisis
- 02:33 A1: Bim discusses measures to alleviate financial pressures caused by the rising cost of living.
08:05 Q2: NHS and Healthcare
- 08:37 A2: Bim outlines his plans to improve healthcare services, reduce waiting times, and address staffing shortages in the NHS.
12:40 Q3: Economy
- 13:14 A3: Bim’s strategies for addressing inflation, unemployment, and ensuring economic stability.
17:44 Q5: Crime
- 17:58 A5: Bim’s plans to enhance personal safety and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement in the community.
20:41 Q6: Housing
- 20:57 A6: Measures to address the housing crisis, particularly focusing on affordability and availability for younger people and those on lower incomes.
Community Questions
23:32 Andrea’s Question on Water Companies
- 24:45 Bim’s Response: Bim answers Andrea’s question about voting on a motion to bring water companies back into the public sector.
27:45 Nyland and Lauren’s Question on Gaza War and Palestine Recognition
- 28:06 Bim’s Response: Bim discusses the provision of arms or assistance in the Gaza conflict and the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.
30:58 Vanessa and Nicola’s Question on Special Needs Education and Care
- 31:49 Bim’s Response: Bim addresses the concerns of SEN families, pledging improved support and resources.
36:01 Bim’s Closing Appeal
- 36:17 Bim asks for your vote: Bim Afolami explains why he should be chosen as the representative for Hitchin on the 4th of July.
39:11 Matt Porter’s Thanks and Closing Remarks 40:19 Closing 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.