Sarah Smith for Huntingdon in General Elections 2024

A Long-standing Local Resident and Aspiring Accountant

Sarah Smith has been a resident of Huntingdonshire for 34 years. After dedicating many years to raising her family, she is now retraining to become an accountant, showcasing her commitment to personal growth and professional development.

Passionate Local Politician with a Focus on Community Needs

Sarah's involvement in the Leave campaign for Huntingdonshire sparked her interest in local politics. Since then, she has actively pursued a role in shaping local governance by standing for the Huntingdonshire District Council on two occasions. Her engagement in local issues reflects her dedication to improving the community she has called home for decades.

Advocate for Social Initiatives and Volunteerism

An avid runner, Sarah is a strong supporter of ParkRun, which she views as a remarkable example of what can be achieved through voluntarism. Her enthusiasm for running and community engagement underscores her belief in the power of local initiatives to foster social connections and improve public health.

Personal Insight into NHS Acute Care Challenges

Currently, Sarah is gaining first-hand experience with the NHS acute care system due to a close family member's extended stay at Hinchingbrooke Hospital following a significant brain injury. This personal experience has provided her with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by patients, their families, and caregivers within the healthcare system.

Advocate for Motorists and Local Business Interests

Sarah stands firmly with motorists, advocating for their needs in the face of increasing restrictions and anti-car policies. She recognizes the essential role of cars for daily activities such as shopping, commuting, and accessing services, and believes that local businesses benefit from better parking provisions and accessibility.

Addressing Local Infrastructure and Road Maintenance Issues

Sarah is concerned about the neglect of B roads in Huntingdonshire, which has led to hazardous conditions, skyrocketing car insurance, and strained roadside assistance services. She argues that while councils often allocate funds to traffic calming measures and 20mph zones, they neglect the crucial maintenance of roads that directly impact residents and businesses.

Vision for Improved Parking and Support for Local Businesses

Sarah advocates for lower car parking charges, more free parking options, and a prioritization of road maintenance in local towns. She also supports reductions in business rates and a simplification of regulations to help local businesses thrive and boost the local economy.

Core Beliefs and Values

• Free Speech: Sarah believes that all opinions should be allowed to compete in the marketplace of ideas without censorship or the concept of 'hate speech' in a free democracy.
• Affordable Energy: She argues that cheap, reliable energy is crucial for the cost of living, job creation, and economic health, and should not be compromised by Net Zero or Climate Change goals.
• Government Reform: Sarah advocates for a smaller, more efficient government with lower taxes, less regulation, and a restoration of individual choice and autonomy.