"In politics I think integrity and trust are vital”
Sir Robert Buckland has been a Swindonian since he moved here 20 years ago. Having grown up in Llanelli, he has made the town his home. He has been Swindon South MP for the past 14 years and was its candidate for six years before that. Over the last 14 years the former lawyer has steadily climbed the rungs of power at Parliament, holding several important posts including Solicitor General, Secretary of State for Justice and Secretary of State for Wales. Ink Editor Jamie Hill spoke to him about the upcoming General Election.
What is it that makes you feel you are the best candidate to represent this constituency?
"I think my track record. I’ve been a Swindon resident and brought up my family here. I use all the local services and I’ve been here for 20 years.
"Last time there were only three candidates. Me, Labour and the Liberal Democrats. It was really odd. Like something out of the 1970s. It was interesting as I got nearly 52% of the vote and a majority of 6,000 which probably would have been more if there had been other candidates. I welcome a varied field. I think it’s good if people have choice. If parties are going to be serious you’ve got to field candidates at all elections. But not just candidates who just appear. You need to know what they doing in the community beforehand.
"This election’s about the future of what we can deliver next and I’m also telling the story about what I have achieved in Swindon. In my literature you will see, in the coming weeks, it’s already going out, about the things that I’ve been doing. Not just at a national level but at a local community level.
"Whether it’s residents in Badbury Park dealing with leasehold issues or whether it’s helping over the years with speeding issues in Old Walcot - working with the council to get 20 mile per hour zones in residential areas or whether it’s dealing with the day to day challenges that a community faces. Things like unauthorised travellers’ sites. All that stuff has been part of my life in Swindon for nearly 20 years. 14 years as its MP and six years beforehand as a candidate.
"It’s something that people on the doors remind me about. They will say ‘you helped me with this’. ‘You did this’. That’s adding up to quite a sizeable personal support which has been wonderful to see bearing in mind the fact that this has been years and years of hard work.
"It matters to me personally as well as politically and that’s why I’m particularly proud of my work to get more investment into Great Western Hospital.
"Next month the new A&E will open. Doubling the size. A £26 million investment. The biggest we’ve ever had. That will transform the experience for the countless people who have to use their services. It’s good news for residents.
"I’m proud of the £80 million that also went into the radiotherapy centre, alongside the incredible work that Brighter Futures have done. I’ve been part of that. Helping that happen. It will transform the lives of those suffering from cancer.
"All of these things have happened during my time as Member of Parliament.
"There’s also the investment that went into road improvements at Junction 15 and Junction 16 and White Hart roundabout. I could reel off a whole list of road and infrastructure improvements that have been vitally important for Swindon’s future that we have delivered in my time.
"And of course the investment in projects like The Health Hydro as a result of me securing the Towns Fund bid. That money has been used for The Health Hydro, the town centre market and enhancing the railway underpasses.
"All of this has added to a track record of which I can be proud.
"When Fleming Way is completed people will realise that is a transformative moment. It will be a catalyst for more development. You’ve already seen that investment as a result of Fleming Way, like the Zurich building being built and the revamp of the Tricentre. Things are starting to take shape and it is likely to kickstart investment into our town centre. So that’s what I’ll be working on in the months ahead if I’m re-elected."
Should you be unsuccessful in your bid to represent the constituency at Westminster, do you plan to remain in the constituency and take an active part in furthering the wellbeing of the community?
!"It’s been my home for many years. I care about Swindon. It’s where I live so of course I’ll still be a part of the town’s wellbeing."
