Gulvinder Bansal (Gully) is a resident of Codsall, South Staffordshire. With a successful career in digital transformation, he is also a devoted family person and an active member of the Liberal Democrats. Gully is committed to advocating for an NHS that meets the needs of every citizen. In an interview with Asian Voice, he spoke about the pressing issues facing his constituency, measures to advocate for seamless healthcare and more.
1) What motivated you to become a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Liberal Democrats in Kingswinford and South Staffordshire?
I am driven to build a better future for my sons, Harveer and Rohan, and all our children. It's incredibly frustrating to see our essential services being neglected and destroyed. This directly impacts their future, and it fuels my commitment to bring about real change.
Witnessing the mismanagement of the cost of living crisis and the severe damage done to the NHS by the Conservative government has been deeply motivating. The rising costs of everyday essentials are making it harder for families to make ends meet, while our healthcare system is struggling under immense pressure. These issues highlight the urgent need for a different approach and stronger advocacy for our community.
I am motivated to become a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrats in Kingswinford and South Staffordshire because I believe our community deserves a representative who will fight for fairness, opportunity, and positive change. The Liberal Democrats’ vision, as outlined in "For a Fair Deal," resonates with my values of social justice, equality, and sustainability. I am passionate about ensuring that every individual has the chance to succeed and that our local area thrives economically and socially.
2) What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, and how do you plan to address them?
One of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire's most pressing issues is the state of NHS services. Unacceptable long waiting times and inadequate healthcare access need urgent attention. To address this, I support the Liberal Democrats' £9bn plan to improve health and care services. This includes guaranteeing that everyone can see a GP within seven days and ensuring timely access to NHS dental care, which is crucial for our community’s well-being.
Another significant concern is the pollution in our waterways. The issue of sewage discharge has been ignored for too long, leading to severe environmental and public health risks. The Liberal Democrats plan to overhaul the water industry, implementing strict measures to prevent sewage from contaminating our rivers and streams.
Finally, the poor condition of our roads, particularly the prevalence of potholes, is a major issue impacting daily life and safety in our area. Potholes cause damage to vehicles and pose a danger to cyclists and pedestrians. I will advocate for increased investment in road maintenance and infrastructure, ensuring that our roads are safe and well-maintained.
The Liberal Democrats’ values of fairness, community, and sustainability resonate deeply with the needs of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire. Our policies are designed to address the critical issues that residents face, ensuring a better quality of life for all.
3) As a dedicated supporter of the NHS, what measures will you advocate to make healthcare more seamless for everyone?
As a dedicated supporter of the NHS, I am committed to advocating for measures that will make healthcare more seamless and accessible for everyone. Our £9bn manifesto pledge is central to this vision, ensuring comprehensive improvements to our health and care services.
First, I will push for the implementation of our plan to guarantee everyone the right to see a GP within seven days, or within 24 hours if urgently needed. This will be made possible by recruiting an additional 8,000 GPs, significantly reducing waiting times and ensuring timely access to primary care.
Second, I will advocate for guaranteed access to NHS dental care for everyone needing urgent and emergency treatment. The rise of "dental deserts" and DIY dentistry is unacceptable, and our plan aims to end these practices, ensuring that dental health is not neglected.
Third, boosting cancer survival rates is a top priority. Our manifesto includes a guarantee that 100% of patients will start treatment for cancer within 62 days from an urgent referral. This commitment is crucial for improving outcomes and providing timely, life-saving treatments.
Our manifesto details plans to integrate health and social care more effectively, investing in mental health services with a professional in every school to provide early support. These measures, supported by our fully costed plan, aim to create an efficient, responsive, and accessible healthcare system for all, ensuring the NHS effectively serves our community.
4) Lastly, what personal qualities or experiences do you believe make you well-suited to represent the people of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire in Parliament?
My real-world experience and professional background make me well-suited to represent the people of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire in Parliament. Unlike career politicians, I have spent years working in the private sector, which has instilled in me a strong drive to achieve high-quality results and a deep understanding of the challenges that businesses and employees face daily.
One of my key strengths is my ability to bring people together and serve as a natural mediator. Throughout my career, I have successfully navigated diverse teams and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and ensuring that different perspectives are heard and valued. This skill is crucial for effective representation, as it allows me to build consensus and drive positive change within our community.
My professional experience has also equipped me with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and a focus on delivering tangible outcomes. In the private sector, achieving high standards and meeting targets are non-negotiable, and I bring this same commitment to my political work. I am dedicated to implementing policies that address the real concerns of our residents, such as improving the NHS, fixing our roads, and protecting our environment.
In addition, my direct interactions with the people of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire have given me a deep understanding of their frustrations and aspirations. I am not disconnected from the community I aim to serve; I grew up in the local area and know the place and the people really well.
