Candidate's thanks for support in campaign

The PCC Police and Crime Commissioner elections are today and regardless of the outcome I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me in my campaign as the only independent candidate. It’s been utterly overwhelming.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Steve Fulcher and former Salisbury MP Robert Key for their support, for my team of volunteers who’ve helped with my campaign.

Unlike political candidates, I don’t have access to a large budget - of up to £93K which is allowed under the rules, or an array of current Government ministers on hand to post messages of support.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the local media outlets who so very kindly supported me through this process by featuring my stories.

The exposure provided by the various newspapers, news sites, radio and tv stations has been greatly appreciated, and once more I would like to take the opportunity to express my thanks for that support.

Thousands of people have liked and shared social media posts, used the banners and changed their profile pictures/used a profile frame to support me. Many have sent messages of support and are displaying and delivering posters.

I’m humbled by the support which has encouraged me to keep going and I thank each one of them for being a part of my campaign journey.

I came into this race knowing I was the underdog. However, being the underdog from a political stance doesn’t mean anyone can assume I’ll lose.

Our neighbouring counties have successful independent PCCs so why not Swindon and Wiltshire?

It’s been an interesting experience and at times unpleasant. However, I am still here at the point of votes being cast.

Mike Rees

Independent PCC candidate

Malmesbury

Impact on NHS not just down to Covid pandemic

On March 16, 2020,Robert Buckland MP, claimed in his weekly Adver column that the NHS was well prepared to deal with any pandemic such as Covid 19.

We all know there have been over 127,000 deaths from the virus and the shortage of equipment at the start of the pandemic.

A recent report in the i newspaper revealed that lives are at risk because of a backlog in NHS treatment due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tens of thousands of cancer, dementia, stroke and heart disease patients have over the last 14 months not received the care they need and deserve.

The report also said that 4.4 million fewer diagnostic tests were carried out in England (March 2020-January 2021), 204,000 people are on waiting lists for heart procedures and operations, 30-50,000 excess deaths from cancer are feared over the next five years, and 11,000 people could be living with undiagnosed breast cancer.

Still think that the NHS was able to cope with a pandemic like Covid-19 Mr Buckland?

To make such a claim as he did Robert Buckland either had no idea or didn't care (or both). The damage inflicted on the NHS of 10 years of austerity of which Robert Buckland supported with great enthusiasm.

Martin Webb

Old Town