Clacton Q&A
Answers to questions posed to Martin about why Freedom Alliance is standing, what he stands for, and why residents should vote for him.
Are you a local resident, and how long have you lived in the area?
No. I've lived and worked across Britain during my career, including in Norwich and London, but not in Clacton. Those experiences have given me an understanding of many different communities and the challenges they face.
What made you decide to stand for election?
When it became clear that there would be limited political competition, Freedom Alliance felt it was important to offer voters another credible option. We first invited local members to stand, but when none wished to do so, I stepped forward as Party Leader because I believe voters should always have a real choice.
I also believe the current rules, which allow a sitting MP to resign and immediately contest the resulting by-election, should be changed.
It may be legal, but I don't believe it is in the spirit of fair democratic representation.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role?
I spent 37 years with Lloyds Banking Group, mostly in senior management positions. Since retiring 18 months ago, I've worked with community groups in the town where I live to help promote tourism, develop year-round events and contribute residents' views through the local steering group.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Clacton today?
Maintaining and strengthening a vibrant town centre that attracts shoppers, visitors, investment and new businesses.
What are your top three priorities if elected?
1. Listen to local communities through regular town hall meetings and digital engagement.
2. Support the regeneration of Clacton's High Street and town centre.
3. Encourage investment that creates skilled, long-term local jobs.
How would you improve our town centre and support local businesses?
Campaign for the abolition of business rates for small independent shops, either permanently or through a phased reduction over five years (0%, 25%, etc.).
Review car parking and bus and rail links to encourage affordable visits to Clacton, alongside initiatives such as the successful £5 Totally Locally campaign, which encourages people to spend locally.
What are your plans to address issues such as housing, roads, public transport, and anti-social behaviour?
I don't claim to have all the answers. The people who live and work in Clacton know their town better than I ever could. I don't yet know enough about the specific challenges around housing, transport and the road network to make detailed promises. My priority would be to listen to residents and local organisations before developing proposals based on local evidence rather than assumptions.
As for anti-social behaviour, I would look to expand successful initiatives such as Community Wardens, while also tackling the underlying causes of such behaviour, including through education.
How will you make yourself accessible and accountable to local residents?
If elected, I would establish a local base and hold regular advice surgeries across the constituency. I would spend as much time as possible in Parliament speaking up for Clacton's interest, whilst making myself easily accessible to local residents.
Why should residents vote for you?
Since retiring from corporate life, I've spent my time supporting local community projects because I believe ordinary people can make a real difference. If elected, I would bring that same approach to Clacton—working with residents, community groups and local businesses to help the town realise its full potential. Freedom Alliance accepts no corporate sponsorship, so my only priority would be representing the people of Clacton.
Is there anything else you would like local residents to know about you or your campaign?
Although I am not a Clacton resident, and would never pretend otherwise, I believe honesty matters in politics.
If elected, my commitment would be to listen, learn quickly and represent the people of Clacton to the very best of my ability.
Since 2020, Freedom Alliance has stood candidates across the country while remaining true to its founding principles of protecting individual freedoms and tackling problems at a local level.
This by-election gives Clacton the opportunity to elect a representative who will put local people first and show that politics can still be conducted honestly, independently and without corporate influence.