Pinder Chauhan is the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Bedford and Kempston. With her background as an HR Business Partner, she is currently working as a client relationship manager for a global early years organisation and is a mother of two. Pinder was elected as the first Indian woman to serve on the county council in the history of Northamptonshire, in 2017 and additionally serves on several boards, including the regional flooding and coastal committee, a homelessness charity and a mental health and youth-focused organisation.
In an interview with Asian Voice, she discusses her candidacy and plans for her constituency.
What specific initiatives or policies do you plan to implement to achieve if you are elected?
Bedford holds a unique position as an area situated outside of London but with close proximity to it, strategically located between Oxford and Cambridge. Despite its potential, it has not received as much investment as it deserves. Significant infrastructure projects are underway, such as the East-West Rail, which will connect Bedford to Oxford, Cambridge, Google, and Microsoft; a huge investment from Universal Studios might also be based here. My primary focus is on enhancing the Bedford community, particularly addressing the neglect faced by the local high street over the past 14 years under the administration of Labour and the Lib Dems. There has been a lack of imagination, investment, and future planning. I believe in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses, improving infrastructure and leveraging the large-scale projects and opportunities available to create jobs, attract investment, and foster growth in the area. Bedford is known for its diverse community, with various cultural and ethnic groups and exploring this diversity and engaging with different communities is a priority for me.
How do you plan to address housing and support-related issues, if elected?
Homelessness has a profoundly significant impact on my life. During my teenage years, my family faced a severe setback when the recession hit. We went from a position of relative comfort to facing significant financial difficulties overnight and my parents worked tirelessly to rebuild their lives. This was a particularly traumatic moment for me as a teenager and has profoundly shaped my outlook on life. When I engage with constituents, they recognise that I'm not just talking about issues—I've lived through them myself. This shared experience fosters a deeper connection and understanding. When it comes to addressing housing challenges. While the Conservative government has made significant strides in building 2.5 million homes, there's still much more to be done. Repurposing derelict buildings, especially in town centres, presents a viable solution to housing shortages. By converting these unused spaces into affordable housing, we can help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder and tackle homelessness. Individuals and families facing homelessness can rebuild their lives and access the resources they need to thrive with the right support and opportunities.
What distinguishes you from other candidates running for the same position?
I believe that having educational experience is essential if one is going to deal with matters that impact millions of lives locally and globally. It's important to be able to articulate oneself effectively, especially in a leadership role. In my observation, clear gaps in understanding and communication skills are apparent when it comes to the opponent. Additionally, he has had the opportunity to serve in various capacities over the past 14 years, yet there is a lack of substantial achievements to show for it. Moreover, taking credit for initiatives that were not delivered only undermines trust and credibility and the message regarding government achievements is often obscured by Labour's political rhetoric. The current MP needs to be transparent regarding projects like the diagnostic centres in Bedford. The government has allocated significant funding, amounting to £2.3 billion for 160 diagnostic centres nationwide, and it's crucial to clarify that this investment stems from government initiatives.
Do you believe the recent by-election defeats indicate a loss of voter confidence in the Conservatives?
In my year-long experience of knocking on doors, people are not flocking to Labour due to their perceived lack of a coherent plan. There's a desire among constituents to see concrete policy ideas from Labour and a clear vision for change, rather than a mere continuation of Conservative policies. In my constituency of Bedford, there's already a prevailing sentiment that Labour is not effectively addressing local concerns. Despite the slim majority of only 145 votes, constituents are beginning to question whether Labour truly represents their interests. Therefore, my focus is on engaging with more people, listening to their views, and understanding their priorities to ensure effective representation and community collaboration.
One also has to consider that when the Conservative government took office, they inherited a country in disarray from the previous Labour administration. Additionally, they've faced unprecedented challenges such as Brexit, Covid-19, and global events like the war in Ukraine. These factors have placed immense pressure on the government, making it difficult to navigate effectively.
There's been news suggesting that Conservatives need stronger leadership and better relationships to secure victory. What's your take on this narrative?
Rishi Sunak's work ethic and commitment to strong values are commendable. He has introduced initiatives that have set him apart as a leader, he is the face of "Global Britain." Despite concerns over polling, stability and unity within the party are paramount. Previous leadership changes have not yielded the desired outcomes, and that highlights the need for continuity and cohesion. His tenure as Prime Minister has seen a focus on education and healthcare and his genuine demeanour and inclusion of his family in his political journey resonate with many. On the other hand, while Keir Starmer is being criticised for perceived inconsistency, the Conservative Party offers a clear path forward under Sunak's leadership. Stability in leadership translates to stability for the country, and Sunak embodies this quality.
