Toby Ebert - Labour Candidate - Ilfracombe - County Council
Would you like to introduce yourself?
My name is Toby Ebert and I am a candidate standing for the Labour Party in North Devon for Ilfracombe division in the County Council elections on Thursday the 4th May 2017.
Why did you choose to stand for this election?
Tory policies at national and local level are not working for ordinary people any more. There have been severe cuts to the NHS locally, at the Tyrrel and Barnstaple Hospitals and there are more cuts to come. Council-run care homes have been sold off. In Ilfracombe Central 40% of children are living in poverty, and average life expectancy is many years fewer than in richer parts of the county. House prices are way too high and wages too low for young people to get on the housing ladder but at the same time there is a desperate shortage of social and affordable housing in the area. All in all, national and local government are not providing the basic level of public services for people to stand on their own two feet.
What impact do you hope to make should you be elected to the County Council?
North Devon has been left behind by Devon County council and Ilfracombe has been left behind by North Devon Council. Ilfracombe has many problems, and great potential. The local councils need to step up to the plate to help that happen.
Why did you want to stand for the Labour Party?
The Labour Party is pledged to create a society that works for the many and not just a privileged few. Britain is a rich country, so it cannot be right that a million families rely on foodbanks and another million have to live with the insecurity of zero-hours work contracts. The Labour Party stands for social justice and equality of opportunity and I share these values and aspirations.
Would you tell us a little bit about your employment background?
My working career has taken many turns: for a charity in London helping the homeless, improving systems in local councils, teaching IT in a Further Education college and working as a computer programmer in private industry. I've travelled widely in Northern and Eastern Europe and in the Far East. I'm married with two children, who are now grown with families of their own – we have five grandchildren in all.
What are your other interests outside of work?
We love living in North Devon for the people, the scenery, the food and drink. But not everyone here is sharing in the good things that the area has to offer. We need to make it a good place for everyone to live in.
My name is Toby Ebert and I am a candidate standing for the Labour Party in North Devon for Ilfracombe division in the County Council elections on Thursday the 4th May 2017.
Why did you choose to stand for this election?
Tory policies at national and local level are not working for ordinary people any more. There have been severe cuts to the NHS locally, at the Tyrrel and Barnstaple Hospitals and there are more cuts to come. Council-run care homes have been sold off. In Ilfracombe Central 40% of children are living in poverty, and average life expectancy is many years fewer than in richer parts of the county. House prices are way too high and wages too low for young people to get on the housing ladder but at the same time there is a desperate shortage of social and affordable housing in the area. All in all, national and local government are not providing the basic level of public services for people to stand on their own two feet.
What impact do you hope to make should you be elected to the County Council?
North Devon has been left behind by Devon County council and Ilfracombe has been left behind by North Devon Council. Ilfracombe has many problems, and great potential. The local councils need to step up to the plate to help that happen.
Why did you want to stand for the Labour Party?
The Labour Party is pledged to create a society that works for the many and not just a privileged few. Britain is a rich country, so it cannot be right that a million families rely on foodbanks and another million have to live with the insecurity of zero-hours work contracts. The Labour Party stands for social justice and equality of opportunity and I share these values and aspirations.
Would you tell us a little bit about your employment background?
My working career has taken many turns: for a charity in London helping the homeless, improving systems in local councils, teaching IT in a Further Education college and working as a computer programmer in private industry. I've travelled widely in Northern and Eastern Europe and in the Far East. I'm married with two children, who are now grown with families of their own – we have five grandchildren in all.
What are your other interests outside of work?
We love living in North Devon for the people, the scenery, the food and drink. But not everyone here is sharing in the good things that the area has to offer. We need to make it a good place for everyone to live in.