Michael Howard-Sorrell
Basingstoke
I am pleased to have been selected to contest the general election for the Green Party in a constituency where I’ve lived for most of my working life.
I originally involved myself in local politics as a way to lessen my own fears about what the future looked like. There’s an almost endless list of reasons for young people to have little faith that the future will get better, climate change being chief among them. My hope is that people locally will see my candidacy as a small step towards building a world that works for everyone, not just the fortunate few at the top.
I am a big believer in devolution, local people making decisions about local issues, which is why I’m focusing my campaign on the fact that I’m the only left-of-centre candidate with real ties to Basingstoke. I have lived here 7 years and have been involved in many community groups and activities for the entire time living here.
Unfortunately for the people of Basingstoke, our options for the next election are limited to the incumbent, a Lib Dem from Oxford or a Labour candidate from London. I am the local choice.
Outside of politics, Michael has been a magistrate since 2020, one of only a very few across the country under the age of 30. Michael has also held several volunteering roles, having been a local RSPCA trustee for 4 years and a school governor for a year. His wife recently restarted the Chineham conservation group and now works with Natural Basingstoke to co-ordinate nature conservation efforts across the borough. He is also currently pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science with the Open University.
Michael said: “I believe that every person elected to office needs at least a basic understanding of climate science, but I’d like to go a step further and make sure that I can robustly defend against any climate sceptics that I might come across in the political world.”
“I’m not uniquely or overly qualified to be a politician, having never formally studied politics or economics, but I do believe there is one area in which I excel; relentlessly pursuing greener policies and securing a future for myself and other young people across the country and across the world. The last thing we need is more politicians with degrees in politics – if we’ve learnt anything as a country it’s that people who groom themselves to become MPs are the last people who should be doing it! I graduated from an apprenticeship, I’ve worked for the same company for 10 years, I’ve served my community and I’m ready to keep serving it with the same level of loyalty and relentlessness that has lead me to achieve all I have in my life.”
Richard Knight
East Hampshire
I was born to British parents in Singapore and spent my childhood across Greece and Switzerland, eventually settling in the UK for education and career. After completing my schooling in Geneva and Staffordshire, I pursued architecture at university in England, then changing tack to start a software development business focused on designing bespoke systems for high-profile companies.
I am a father to a daughter (12) and a son (8), my wife passed from cancer in 2023. My environmental consciousness has been a lifelong journey, gradually influencing both my personal and professional choices. This evolution of awareness prompted me to engage actively in environmental advocacy, culminating in my candidacy for the Green Party in East Hampshire during the 2017 elections. Fuelled by a deep frustration with governmental inaction on environmental issues, I sought to contribute to a vision of hope and progress. I see the Green Party’s platform as a beacon of optimism in these challenging times, offering policies that promise not only to alleviate the current environmental crisis but also to enhance the quality of life for individuals both in the UK and globally. The need for actionable solutions and a sustainable future has never been more critical, and I am committed to advocating for change that aligns with these principles.
Mohamed Miah
North East Hampshire
Born and raised in Hampshire, I have a deep connection to the local community and environment.
With a career in the NHS, I am dedicated to public service, ensuring accessible healthcare and promoting social equity. A committed family person, I strive to create a supportive environment for families and youth.
As a Green Party advocate, I am passionate about renewable energy, protecting green spaces, and promoting sustainable transportation.
Aligning with Green Party values, I aim to enhance local resilience through community-driven initiatives, improved public services, and policies that ensure environmental stewardship. I envision a sustainable future where economic growth is balanced with ecological preservation and social well-being.
Hina West
North West Hampshire
Hina West has been selected as the prospective Green Party Parliamentary candidate for the constituency of North West Hampshire at this year’s General Election.
She previously stood in the local Basingstoke and Deane council elections, and has prior experience of working directly for the Green Party in Parliament whilst living in New Zealand. An active resident of the Whitchurch community, where she lives with her husband and daughter, Hina is a passionate advocate for social and environmental justice issues at both grassroots and global levels with a two-decade career focused on driving sustainability across the private, public and NGO sectors.
Hina said: “I am proud to be part of our thriving community and it would be an honour to represent my fellow constituents to ensure a bright, fairer and ultimately Greener future for us all across North West Hampshire.
“I am standing for the Green Party as I believe there is a better future within our reach. Clearly the current set up is not working: the poor are getting poorer and the sick are getter sicker, all whilst the planet’s resources are being pushed beyond its boundaries.
“And these issues are clearly prevalent within our local area. Our precious chalk stream rivers are being polluted. Mass housing development is being rushed to the detriment of local amenities and communities, with little consideration of whether the homes will be warm, let alone if they are fit for purpose and how they will affect our beautiful Hampshire wildlife and nature. Climate change is creating fluctuating weather patterns, flooding roads and fields and affecting farmers’ crops. The rising cost of living is increasing use of local food banks. The list goes on….
“The Green Party is the only voice that truly understands the full potential ahead for us, economically, environmentally and socially, offering green solutions that will improve lives of families and communities, not just quick fixes or for the benefit of a few.
“I am proud to be standing for the Green Party, and I thank all the Party members for their ongoing support for me taking on this role. Vote Green to make an actual difference for us all and for future generations to come.”