New Addington teen vows to stand in next parliamentary elections
A teenager from New Addington has vowed to stand as an independent candidate in the next parliamentary elections.
Michael Castle says he wants to see the estate become a priority to Croydon Council so that vast improvements can be made to Central Parade.
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COULD I BE YOUR FUTURE MP: Michael Castle, 18, wants to change New Addington's stigma Photo No: CCRdf011008d by Danny Fitzpatrick
His main objective, though, is to use his connection with the estate's youth to give them ambition and remove the stigma that New Addington youngsters will amount to nothing.
The 18-year old, who is studying for a Uniform Public Service diploma at Croydon College, said: "I want to get onto the political ladder and I want to make a difference to New Addington. It's as if it doesn't exist – we are the lost community.
"There's a stigma about the young people in New Addington and it holds them back, it's not very encouraging.
"If I became MP it would be a major step forward to changing that. It would show that people from New Addington can achieve what they want to do, regardless of how impossible it might seem."
Michael already has experience standing up for what he believes in and is a representative for the Young Anti-Bullying Alliance in south east England.
He attends various events across the country in this role, talking to youngsters, so he feels he can really tap into the younger generation.
And he has even met Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
He said: "I can use Facebook and MySpace to reach young people, and I know what they want because I am one myself.
"I want to change perceptions of young people. I wear a hoodie but I'm not a thug. Young people are the future."
Michael, who lives in Pirbright Crescent, New Addington, added: "I would like to think I'm in the right circles to become an MP already.
"I have spoken to Councillor Simon Hall and been out canvassing with him to learn the ropes. And I've spoken to local MP Andrew Pelling. He's really friendly."
Still, if Michael wants to stand as an independent candidate for New Addington, he may be standing against Mr Pelling, the current Croydon Central MP.
The determined teenager says his policies are similar to Mr Pelling's. He would like to see resurfacing of all the roads and improved security through CCTV, more lighting and extra policing.
But Michael added: "I think we need a change and for that we need a new MP. We need to get some new, young blood into parliament.
"As an independent you are there because you want to help your area and get people's voices heard.
"People say the majority parties aren't doing anything – so let's let someone more low-key do something."
Michael would also push the council's redevelopment of New Addington, although he is not convinced another huge supermarket is the way forward.
His main ambition, though, is to listen to his constituents and tackle problems when they happen.
Michael has set up a Facebook group called Michael Castle for Central Croydon. He had around 50 members within 24 hours of setting it up.
He also has an e-mail for constituents to contact him: castle4croydon@yahoo.com
27 Comments
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by Anthony Miller, Pear Shaped
Thursday, April 08 2010, 12:23PM
“Michael, Rob King is right on one thing. If you want to be get elected join a party. As the late Bernard Weatherill used to tell young people once he got to the Lords and didn't have to keep his mouth shut any more "it doesn't matter much which one". But consulting my influence vs authority matrix I would go for a party where the ordinary rank and file members get a one-member-one-vote say in selecting their prospective MP. In the words of Sir Humphrey Appleby "We tried to break it up from the outside, but that wouldn't work. Now that we're on the inside we can make a complete pig's breakfast of the whole thing"”
by Michael Castle, Addington
Monday, January 18 2010, 5:01PM
“Robert there is another opinion from a NA resident on here who agrees there is not much in New Addington a resident came up to me yesterday and asked me to look into something for them, I believe the issue they have raised is an excellent example of how we are the lost Community that people (council, local parties that promise the world) don't care about us watch this space.
Every party has their own propergander it would be a lie to say otherwise, yes I have done my research on what the main parties are saying but I have my own ideas and suggestions as I am my own person not a party.
I thank everyone for their comments
Michael Castle”
by lloyd, NA
Sunday, January 17 2010, 1:12PM
“Maybe some young Idea is needed in NA as the two main party's haven't done anything at all in NA. All you read about is the Conservative party wants to spend millions on a new HQ but when the village green development fell through it was like their Que to exit and abandon NA because it wasn't our money it was coming from. but a private source (Tesco). They didn't want to spend money up here in the first place it wasn't their intension at all. They make out it's putting the planning back 2 years plus, but we all know nothing will come out of this' yes shore they will spend money on consulting and planning fees but nothing will happen as this is just a polictical stunt both party's use to show us they are trying and the other one's better, In the mean time we have had three more world wars and two
Government but yet nothing, no change up this neck of the woods in twenty years plus good luck to you Micheal hope wish you well .”
by Robking, Croydon
Saturday, January 16 2010, 7:43PM
“Can I just say one more thing Michael.
You'll find in politics that there's a lot of misinformation.
When you use the word luxury to describe the proposed new council HQ it's clear that you have been listning to Labour party propaganda.
The present HQ - Tabaner House was built in the 1960's, an era when building standards were not at their best. Developers at that time just wanted to build as quickly and as cheaply as possible.
Now 40 odd years later, Tabaner House is fast coming to the end of it's useful life.
As I understand it the deal with the developer will give Croydon a new council HQ at a much cheaper cost than if we just built a brand new building or bought an existing one and sold off Tabaner House to be knocked down.
The plans, the deal, the finance etc etc are all matters for legitimate debate what is beyond dispute however is the fact that we need a new council HQ soon.
Of course we want the building to be built to a high standard, one that will last 100 years or more, like the Town Hall for example, that's not a luxury it's good investment for the future and common sense.
They will tell you it's a Tory luxury HQ as well, it's not, it will belong to all the people of Croydon not to which ever political party is in power.
I'll comment no more, good luck whatever you decide to do.
Robert King
Croydon Conservative Action Team.”
by Michael Castle, Addington
Saturday, January 16 2010, 6:37PM
“Croydon Conservatives haven't done much for Addington, the Conservative main person in Croydon I can't think of his name wanted me to do leafleting around Addington on my own for them at least Labour has concern I have been out canvassing with Simon and leafleting with Simon he has gave me great support in that way
Labour aren't doing a luxury new head quarters at tax payers expense, how are you helping tax payers by doing that its just a palace for the council leader.
Labour has been good to New Addington in my opinion, we have great local representatives, I have nothing but praise for them.
People rebel against Labour and Vote Conservative I know a few people that have said that, the local Conservative had promised me too much and didn't deliver, we want good representation not let downs.
Everyone has and are entitled to their opinion and that is mine.
Although it is correct that the more Independent candidates there are for an area the less chance BNP can grab any power.
I won't be joining the Conservatives not now not ever, I'm not trying to find a party that could use me to get themselves in at election, I have great determination for change in Croydon and great enthusiasm for my area which comes under Croydon, the minority of politicians have made politics look like a bad career choice because of the scandals I want to show people not only that you can run regardless of the odds against you but there is honesty in the UK political system and young Men and Women can still have faith in their representatives.
Thanks for your comments
Michael Castle”