Name:  Ade Adeyemo

 

Age:  48

 

Political Party:  Liberal Democrats

 

In 50 words why should the people of Solihull Meriden vote for you?

The people of Meriden should vote for me because I represent a fresh start for the Constituency.  If elected, I will do my utmost to represent local residents and businesses, promoting freedom, equality, justice and opportunity for all in a fairer society.

 

In 50 words what do you believe is the key issue in the borough you will fight for?

The key issue is the negative impact of the proposed HS2 line on local residents along the route.  I am concerned that this issue still hasn’t been satisfactorily addressed by our current representatives in Westminster and on Solihull Council and I intend to fight hard on behalf of local residents.

 

How would you do that and how would you find the money?

The HS2 campaign is not about money.  It is about arguing the case with National Government that such a major project, and the economic prosperity it may ultimately bring, must not be at the cost of blighting the future of local residents who live along or close to the route.

 

Immigration is a key issue for many voters – in 100 words, give us your views on it:

Whilst immigration is good for the economy, it also needs to be controlled and we must balance the economic need with social concerns and focus more on training UK citizens to fill UK jobs.  Immigration must not be used as a means to drive down salaries, especially in low-paid jobs and much more must be done to ensure that wherever possible, local people are employed doing local jobs.

 

What are your views on the state of healthcare provision in the borough and what would you do to change it if you believe it needs changing?

I am seriously concerned about the fragile state of healthcare provision in the borough.  Currently, the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust and the local Clinical Commissioning Group are struggling to maintain service levels in the borough.

Here in the borough, we also have one of the highest proportions of elderly population in the UK.  As a result, there is a greater need in the borough for good-quality elderly care as well as dementia and mental health services.  There is also a lot of pressure on community services, who don’t have the capacity to provide adequate care for local residents.

Simply closing hospital wards and transferring services to the larger Heartlands Hospital is not a good solution in my opinion.  What we need is to improve primary care at home, and our local hospitals should be able to handle most ailments – only the more serious and urgent cases should be transferred to Heartlands Hospital.

 

About you personally……..

Generally easy-going and friendly.  Life is too short to be otherwise.  I believe that most issues can be resolved amicably provided everyone has a positive attitude.

 

What is your favourite hobby/interest?

African Music.  I present a monthly African music show on Radio Sandwell.

 

What would be your ideal way to spend a day?

Sitting on a warm beach, cold drink by my side and playing the saxophone.

 

Favourite holiday destination?

The Algarve.

 

Favourite memory in life?

Getting married.

 

Favourite film?

Top Gun.

 

Favourite television show?

Rugby Special.

 

Favourite band/album?

Fela Ransome-Kuti & the Africa ’70 – ‘Zombie’ (1976, Coconut, PMLP1003).

 

Favourite book?

Mine Boy (1946) by Peter Abrahams.

 

What is your greatest strength or weakness?

Strength…  Dependability  /  Weakness… I have a sweet tooth!

 

Top five dinner guests – alive or dead – and not including the leader of your political party!?

1. Archbishop John Sentamu.
2. Valentina Tereshkova.
3. William Jefferson Clinton.
4. Mary Slessor.
5. Queen Amina of Zaria.

 

Who is the person/s you most admire in life – not including the leader of your political party!?

My Mother.

 

What is the most embarrassing moment in your life?

Running out of steam whilst well in the lead 350m into the 400m finals at school.  I finished second-last.

 

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good husband, a good father and a good man.

 

For a million pounds would you join one of your rival political parties?

No.

 

How about for ten million?

Yes.

 

What was the last lie you told?

That I wouldn’t join a rival political party for a million pounds!

 

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