Who To Vote For

In one sense the answer is simple: me! But this post isn’t just about that, it is an exploration of how you can best use your vote.

Maintaining the Status Quo

If you are happy with how things are currently going in the country, then you probably already know how to vote. A vote for the conservatives is a vote for a continuation of how things are currently going.

Turning to Labour, my belief is that this is a more sensible immediate vote for those who want change, but as things currently stand a vote for Labour is a vote for continuing the current chaos, just maybe not right now. Labour want to continue:

• First Past The Post, a system which all-but guarantees that the Conservatives will eventually get back into power (NB, the Labour conference passed a motion to change this system of elections, but the leadership currently opposes it).
• Brexit, which has frankly been an unmitigated disaster, but Labour has indicated that they have no intention of rejoining the European Union, instead trying to make the most of Brexit.
• Current Tax Systems, which are fundamentally broken but subject to tweaking by both Conservatives and Labour whenever they are in power, but neither seems to have any appetite for widespread tax reform that is necessary for progression as a society.

In short, I believe the choice between Conservative and Labour is a false choice, in that both options will eventually lead to another Conservative government and neither is going to result in a fairer electoral system or the necessary tax reforms to make society fairer.

Voting Your Conscience

Moving beyond the two main parties in the UK (and ignoring the region-specific parties where there are genuine opportunities for voters to gain decent representation), there are a few options to choose from, mostly parties with very specific aims (e.g. Greens, Reform, etc). The worry here is that the votes could very easily be wasted, which gives a huge advantage to the largest parties, who then get all the power if they are able to win, with all other votes going wholly unrepresented.

It therefore makes sense to vote for the largest party which best meets your personal ethical position and also advocates for electoral reform to allow minority views to be represented at Westminster. In my case, this is the LiberalDemocrats – we do not necessarily agree on everything, especially the details, but the overall goals of fairness and equality resonate with me and they support electoral reform, tax reform and ultimately undoing Brexit. Or, to summarise, who should you vote for? Me, as I said at the start of this post!

In case you want more, here are some testimonials:

Hazeena A

Ian, thank you once again for your support. It means a lot.

Thank you so much for [creating this petition] and so amazingly quickly!!!

You did a brilliant job on both the blog and petition. Some of the NHS staff were even impressed with the speed at which you addressed this, and I have had varying positive comments from friends who have read your post.

Hazeena A – Ruislip, Northwood & Pinner Resident

Sheena Y

Having worked with Ian I can say that I found him incredibly transparent and honest which I think would be rare and much needed in today political arena. He is also very clever, direct and a great communicator.

Sheena Y, former co-worker

Andy H

Ian is a very smart individual, but more importantly is honest and truly cares about people.

He is an unselfish individual and would absolutely have the public’s best interests at heart.

Andy H, brother

Luca M

I met Ian a few months ago for the first time and straight away I felt confortable with him and I thought: ” Ok I would trust that guy”.

Luca M, fellow speakers’ club member

Francisco V

Throughout the 12 years I have known Ian, he has always demonstrated to be very bright, kind and upright. I’ve seen all of these attributes in his personal life, for instance, in our sport association he volunteered as treasurer where he improved the overall system and costs as well as championing charitable giving & generous donations. He’ll definitely make a difference in a bigger role in politics.

Francisco V, fellow jū jūtsu instructor and friend

Irene H

You have the moral integrity and high standards in all aspects of the requirements of your potential constituents. You will stand up to injustice and defend those deemed to have had injustice against them. You are committed to environmental change and to look after the less well off in society.

Irene H, mother

Graham C

First and foremost, your personal ethos of kindness and care for others is your top qualification. That you are also highly driven with a need to be productive, and understand very complex matters such as financial systems, makes you stand out.

Graham C, fellow jū jūtsu instructor and friend

Anonymous

You are one of the most principled people that I know. You are committed to making changes that support the most vulnerable in our society and you don’t give up when you know you’re fighting for what’s right.

Anonymous

Helen C

Integrity.
Unlike the rest of us who are disillusioned with the lack of honesty, morals, and the unfair and outdated ‘public schoolboy network’ displayed by this government, you have decided to stand up and make a difference.
Your constituents couldn’t have a better candidate.

Helen C, Aunt

Miles H

Having known Ian for a number of years during which we worked closely as Financial Advisers, I am confident that he would make an excellent MP. Ian is an intelligent man who has the ability to absorb, understand and manage complex information quickly; I have, on many occasions, witnessed him do this whilst retaining the ability to explain it, in a manner which is easy to understand.

I have seen Ian display the courage of his convictions on a professional level, where he has put the clients needs before that of the company and have no doubt he would carry this attitude into public life.

Ian and I have disagreed on politics in the past, but he has always listened carefully to any position and taken time to offer a thoughtful response. If he became an MP I am sure his constituents would benefit from an effective and hard working representative.

Miles H, former co-worker

Just as an addendum, I am aware that it should probably be “Whom To Vote For” rather than “Who”, but that feels really pretentious somehow, and since I am writing this from North America, it feels like a more informal style of writing is warranted.