Eastbourne
Parliamentary Candidate
Mark Ashdown

Mark Ashdown, a child of the sixties, grew up witnessing steady improvements in the UK throughout his early years. However, by the seventies, he saw the country falter during events like the three-day work week and the undue influence of unelected unions. Now, as he observes the continued decline of the UK, Mark is committed to reversing this trend.

Initially trained in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Mark transitioned to the construction industry, where he built a successful 30-year career. He worked on projects ranging from large government initiatives to smaller and medium-sized developments. Often called upon as a troubleshooter, he turned around failing building sites, showcasing his problem-solving skills.

Mark also gained experience in the Solar Energy Industry, a sector he firmly believes could solve the majority of the UK’s energy issues. He remains surprised at the lack of widespread adoption of solar energy in the country.

Beliefs and Political Stance

Mark Ashdown holds strong views on the current state of leadership in the UK. He believes both Labour and the Conservative parties are failing to provide the direction the country desperately needs. In his opinion, the focus has shifted from genuine leadership to simply securing re-election, leaving the nation in political stagnation.

Supporting the NHS with Reforms

A staunch supporter of the NHS, Mark has seen the healthcare system in action through personal experiences with friends and family members. With relatives who have worked in the NHS, and others still employed within the system, he understands the dedication of NHS staff. However, Mark is aware of the inefficiencies and waste reported by those who supply the NHS. He believes these problems must be addressed before more taxpayer money is spent. Rather than placing blame on the hardworking staff, he sees the flaws within the system itself and advocates for essential reforms to ensure long-term sustainability.

Restoring the Armed Services

Mark is deeply concerned about the current state of the UK's armed services. He notes that the British army has diminished to such an extent that it could fit within Wembley Stadium—a scenario he finds unsustainable. Similarly, the Royal Navy is struggling due to recruitment issues, weakening the nation’s global defense role. Mark believes this decline must be urgently addressed to maintain the UK’s security and international presence.

Infrastructure Decline and Solutions

Mark has watched with frustration as the UK’s infrastructure, especially the road network, has deteriorated. Once a symbol of efficiency and reliability, the country’s roads are now poorly maintained. He attributes this decline to reduced government funding for local councils, which are now facing bankruptcy due to poor management and misplaced priorities. Mark calls for an end to the focus on "woke" agendas that add little value to public services, instead advocating for a return to well-managed, functional infrastructure.

Vision for the Future

Mark Ashdown envisions a future where there is a level playing field for all citizens. He supports reducing taxes on hard-working individuals while imposing higher taxes on luxury goods. He strongly opposes unnecessary bureaucracy, the misuse of the asylum system, and the spread of "woke" ideologies that he believes detract from addressing real issues affecting the country.