General Election 2024: Basingstoke candidates final plea for votes

Residents of Basingstoke have a choice of six candidates to cast their vote for on July 4. Dame Maria Miller has represented the constituency since 2005. She is standing again for the Conservatives. 

The former culture secretary is being contested by Luke Murphy (Labour), Raymond Saint (Independent), Michael Howard-Sorrell (Green Party), Alan Harvey Stone (Hampshire Independents) and Richard Whelan (Liberal Democrats).

READ MORE: We asked every Basingstoke candidate five questions - this is what they said

We asked each candidate to submit 100 words explaining why the people of Basingstoke should vote for them. 

This is what they had to say. 

Maria Miller, Conservative 

Maria Miller, Conservative candidate

Having lived in Basingstoke with my family for 20 years and having worked in business before becoming Basingstoke's MP I have the experience to deliver what is right for our community; Slow down house building as other councils have done; get our new hospital built to revolutionise local healthcare; named, dedicated police officers for every community because visible policing works; build two new schools , ensuring we have the places our children need; a new country park, making Old Down a local nature reserve ; helping working family with extra funded childcare.

Basingstoke is a great place to live and I want to make sure we keep it that way. 

Luke Murphy, Labour 

Luke Murphy (Image: Luke Murphy)

I believe in the ambition and potential of Basingstoke. I know that people here just want the opportunities they deserve and the future we were promised.

In this election, Change is on the ballot. A vote for change with Labour is a vote for a GP and dentist appointment when you need it, for neighbourhood policing and a crackdown on anti-social behaviour, and to give our children and future generations the opportunities they deserve.

A vote for me, is a vote for a visible and accessible MP who will champion every part of Basingstoke and everyone who lives here

Michael Howard-Sorrell, Green

Michael Howard-Sorrell (Image: Green Party)

Britain is broken, so why vote for the same old parties, represented by the same career politicians who broke it? The Green Party is the only party being honest about the need for investment and higher spending.

I am the only local candidate with the experience, dedication and energy to finally be the representative Basingstoke deserves. We shouldn’t settle for “Not the Conservatives”.

It’s time we demand better. Together, we can build a healthier, more prosperous country for all. Vote Mike for a truly local voice for Basingstoke. Vote Green for real hope, real change and a brighter future.

Alan Harvey Stone - Hampshire Independents 

Alan Harvey Stone (Image: Alan Stone) I am the most local of the standing candidates, I went to school and college here and was married in town too.  I do not have political party bosses or donors to bow to. I will support, promote and improve Basingstoke above all. None of the other candidates can say that.

I am a practical businessman who believes in fair taxation and that taxation should be fairly spent by the governing authorities. I believe in self-reliance over state subsidy. A vote for me will not change governments but it could change Basingstoke.

Richard Whelan - Liberal Demoncrat 

Richard Whelan (Image: Contributed)

I want to bring practical solutions to the problems that exist in Basingstoke by listening to a variety of views and bringing people together. 

Raymond Saint - Independent

Raymond Saint was contacted by the Basingstoke Gazette to take part but he declined. 

The former plumber and teacher at BCoT originally stood as the Reform UK candidate for Basingstoke. 

But, Mr Saint was dropped as a candidate for Reform UK last week after a leaked document revealed that he was recorded as a British National Party (BNP) member in 2009. He has again refused to comment on the matter. 

Raymond Saint (Image: Reform UK)

In June, Mr Saint said: "I would regard myself as conservative and always voted accordingly but unfortunately during the last few years I find myself politically homeless as the party has completely lost its way and in my opinion can no longer be regarded as conservative.

"After 13 years of this government, the country seems to be completely broken and no one in the administration appears to have a clue how to fix the problems."