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Six candidates are standing for election to parliament to represent the Hove and Portslade constituency on Thursday 4 July 2024.
The six candidates are Sophie Broadbent (Green), Carline Deal (Conservative), Martin Hess (Reform UK), Peter Kyle (Labour), Tanushka Marah (Independent) and Michael Wang (Liberal Democrat).
Each candidate answered questions submitted by voters. Here are the answers from Liberal Democrat Michael Wang, 29, an immigration lawyer who posts on Instagram as @michaelwlibdem and his Facebook page is Michael Wang for Hove and Portslade.
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Why do you want to be an MP and how are you qualified for the role?
I believe residents deserve a strong local champion who will listen to their concerns, respect their views and represent their interests to fight for a fair deal.
I believe that in this election we are witnessing a huge shift in the landscape of UK politics and the time for truly progressive politics is now.
Professionally, I work as an immigration lawyer. This role has trained me to deal with complex legislation but also to understand the huge impact that governance, good or bad, can have on individuals’ lives.
Politics is not a game. It has real consequences.
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If elected, how would you deal with performance and pricing problems in privatised utilities such as the water companies, railways, energy companies and the Royal Mail?
The Liberal Democrats believe that partnership between the public and private sectors, if structured and monitored appropriately, can provide the best outcomes for all of us.
However, it is clear that the current arrangement is allowing private companies to completely disregard their responsibilities to the British people.
The sewage scandal is utterly appalling. That’s why the Liberal Democrats will end the scandal by transforming water companies into public benefit companies, banning bonuses for water bosses until discharges and leaks end and replacing Ofwat with a tough new regulator with new powers to prevent sewage dumps.
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What would you do to help people who are struggling to rent or buy a home? Should second homes or Airbnb-style holiday lets be banned?
Local residents are increasingly being priced out of living in Brighton and Hove.
The Liberal Democrats are clear-minded in recognising that housing prices are fundamentally determined by the market which means the only way to solve the crisis is to increase supply.
That’s why we will build the homes people need, with meaningful community engagement: 380,000 more homes a year across the UK, including 150,000 truly affordable social homes.
We will give local authorities the power to increase council tax by up to 500 per cent where homes are bought as second homes and to introduce new planning classes for Airbnbs.
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What steps would you take to improve hospital performance, community care and access to GPs for patients in Brighton and Hove?
Impartial research tells us that the only way to rescue our NHS and care system is through increased funding.
That’s why I’m extremely proud of the Liberal Democrats’ manifesto pledge to raise taxes on those at the very top of the pyramid, with which we will deploy a £9 billion rescue package.
With this extra funding, we will give everyone the right to see a GP within seven days or within 24 hours if urgent, backed up by 8,000 more GPs, ensure 100 per cent of patients will start treatment for cancer within two months of referral and introduce free personal care.
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Events in Israel and Gaza have affected many members of the community here. What can people in your constituency expect you to say and do as an MP?
It has been truly shocking to witness the act of terrorism committed by Hamas and the kidnapping of civilians and then the subsequent humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Liberal Democrats were the first major party to call for an immediate ceasefire.
We are committed to recognising the state of Palestine and working towards a two-state solution.
We must execute existing laws properly so UK-made arms are not exported for the killing of civilians.
In Hove, I would be vigilant in calling out any Islamophobic or anti-semitic abuse or violence so that our residents can reside in peace safely.
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Do you support building new homes and a replacement for King Alfred swimming pool in the Benfield Valley?
The proposed sale of the King Alfred site is completely unacceptable.
The proposed tower blocks of luxury apartments will probably be sold to foreign investors rather than local families.
The Benfield site will displace the Portslade cricket club and mean the loss of a green space that is highly valued by residents.
I would support a further consultation that considers a development on the existing site and that offers a first-class sports centre.
Brighton and Hove City Council should not rush to capitalise on the sale of a prime seafront site simply to plug a hole in their finances.
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Polling stations are due to be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 4 July. Photo ID is required for those voting in person.
