Swindon Pledges 2026

brooke

April 30, 2026 • 4:18PM

As the Swindon 2026 local elections approach in one week, I have committed to three pledges to serve my local community should I be elected.

These pledges are: (1) to oppose austerity measures within local government; (2) to stand in solidarity with Palestine; and (3) to safeguard LGBT+ rights within local government.

My commitment to opposing austerity

Local councils nationwide are experiencing a crisis, and the Labour government has not taken sufficient action. If elected in May, I commit to:

Participating in an emergency summit with Members of Parliament, community organisations, and trade unions to highlight the unmet needs of residents, and to develop a cross-party coalition advocating for the restoration of local government funding.
Advocating for a comprehensive public engagement programme to involve residents in critical decision-making processes regarding the management of the crisis through local assemblies and national demonstrations.
Supporting innovative approaches that transfer authority over housing, assets, and financial decisions to local communities.
Ensuring transparency in expenditure and the responsible use of financial powers by demonstrating how needs are assessed, resources are allocated, and unmet needs are documented in future budget planning.

More information about my pledge can be found here:
https://greensorganise.uk/pledge-oppose-austerity/

My commitment to Palestine

I am honoured to be among the over 1,800 candidates who have pledged support to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s 'Pledge for Palestine' ahead of the local elections. I have committed to advocating for Palestine and addressing my council’s involvement in Israel’s alleged genocide and apartheid policies. I will undertake all reasonable actions to:

Uphold the rights of the Palestinian people;
Confront Israel regarding its alleged crimes of genocide and apartheid;
Ensure that my council is not complicit, including through the divestment of pension funds from companies involved in such activities.

More information on the Palestine Solidarity Campaign Pledge can be found here:
https://palestinecampaign.org/candidate-pledge-for-palestine/

My commitment to the LGBT+ Community

To reject any effort to frame the rights of LGBTQ+ people as inherently in conflict with the rights of others, and ensure the dignity, privacy, and safety of all individuals, including women, transgender, intersex, and non-binary people, are upheld

Recently, trans individuals, primarily trans women, have been accused of posing a threat to cisgender women. I firmly endorse the principle that trans and cis women are women. All women merit protection from misogyny and patriarchal dominance.
To seek consultation on issues impacting LGBTQ+ people with relevant LGBTQ+ community groups before making any change that will impact their rights.

I am an active volunteer for a Pride charity and frequently participate with the Green Party's LGBTIQA+ Liberation group.

I am running as a candidate in the upcoming local elections to not only represent my local community on the council but also to ensure LGBTQ+ and Global Majority representation in policymaking.
To oppose the introduction of segregation for transgender individuals from the gendered spaces they belong in, and support inclusion of trans people in line with the original interpretation of the Equality Act.

While it is essential for the council to adhere to legal requirements, it is important to recognise that the Supreme Court ruling does not establish a universal exclusion of transgender individuals from single-sex spaces.

Access to such spaces must be assessed on an individual basis, and I will oppose any attempts to exploit the Supreme Court decision as a justification to exclude marginalised transgender individuals from participating in everyday public life.
To campaign for better health outcomes for trans, non-binary and intersex people.

As a transgender individual, I possess firsthand experience regarding the challenges encountered by trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals in navigating public healthcare systems. If elected to the local council, although I will not have the scope to directly dictate NHS policy, I will utilise my platform to raise awareness of these issues and advocate for appropriate healthcare for trans people.
To defend the freedom of groups and organisations to continue to be trans-inclusive.

We have a flourishing community of gender-diverse individuals residing in and around Swindon who must retain the right to access council services, just like every other resident.
To oppose the implementation of the Sullivan review and the incorporation of ‘biological sex’ into systems of data and administration, and support giving trans people privacy and control over how they are represented in data.

It is essential to gather data about individuals solely when it is necessary, lawful, and obtained with their consent. There appears to be no justification for the collection and storage of ‘biological sex’ within the council's system.

Retaining such sensitive information could adversely affect the relationship between the council and its residents.
To support inclusive policies toward trans, non-binary and intersex students in schools, colleges, libraries, and other educational settings.

It is imperative that young individuals be taken seriously when they disclose their identities. Educational institutions can present challenges for those perceived as different, and students who are transgender, non-binary, or intersex should be protected from bullying and social exclusion. It is essential to provide ongoing support for these students throughout their educational journey, encompassing the prevention of bullying, misgendering, and adverse academic outcomes.