What would you bring to the role of MEP?
Rupert Matthews: I have a proven track record as a political campaigner and will bring these talents to bear on the European campaign. As a professional historian I bring a wider view to the EU issue. For the past 8 years I have worked closely with Chris Heaton-Harris and with Roger Helmer. I have seen how the European Parliament works on a daily basis, and how the European Union functions. And what is wrong with both. See my website for more details.
George Lee: I bring a blend of practical business experience,
political acumen and a strong sense of being British. Running an
internationally active business for 11 years I have lived the EU’s
negative impact on regulation, its restrictions on free trade and the
individual. I have been a Conservative on the political ‘front line’
for over 20 years and will fight solely for UK interests.
Fiona Bulmer: Having effective Eurosceptic representation in Europe has never been more important. I believe my range of experience both in politics and at a senior level in the business world mean I could make a difference by holding the EU institutions to account and campaigning for a new direction in Europe.
Emma McClarkin: Principles, not posturing. Doing what I say I will in Brussels in fighting for a better deal for Britain.
Why have you chosen to stand for the East Midlands?
George Lee: I only applied for East Midlands because I understand the issues here. My family and I live here, we work here, I run a business and employ people here. As a non exec Director of Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce I also hear and witness the real impact of the EU, in addition to the experiences and views of electors in the region.
Rupert Matthews: I want to achieve the very best for the East Midlands, having personal and business contacts across the region. Professionally, I have written over 150 published books and have worked on local radio. My “Heroes of Bomber Command, Lincolnshire” is a regional bestseller. My wife is a Lincolnshire-born girl who was living in Leicestershire when we met. We lived outside Grantham when first married.
Fiona Bulmer: I know the region well and believe the range of my own experience, having lived in rural and urban areas, means I can be an effective representative for the very diverse communities of the East Midland region. And it’s a lovely part of the country.
Emma McClarkin: The East Midlands is my political home. Having lived, worked and
campaigned there as part of the European Team for over five years, I
have a good knowledge of the local issues and many Conservatives in the
region, as well as the regional media.
