Lincoln's Workers Party of Britain candidate outlines priorities ahead of general election

Former nurse and mother-of-three Linda Richardson is standing as the Workers Party of Britain candidate for Lincoln in the upcoming general election on July 4. Spurred on by her political heroes, former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and Workers Party of Britain founder George Galloway, Linda hopes to address the mental health crisis at the NHS, tackle the ongoing cost of living crisis, and improve transport links in and around Lincoln should she be elected.

Although she admittedly never thought she would be running for MP, Linda began her political career after being introduced to the Labour Party by her friend and former Mayor of Lincoln Adelle Ellis, who she worked with at St John’s Hospital a number of years ago. From there, she supported and followed the party under Corbyn’s leadership, but decided to walk away from it after its direction changed under the new leadership of Keir Starmer.

Mrs Richardson explained how she felt mainstream political parties have turned their backs on Palestine. “George Galloway, as we know, a large part of his election campaign for that Rochdale by-election was garnered around feeling like the main political parties have turned their back on Palestinians in Gaza,” she said, pointing out how she has also been attending local marches calling for a ceasefire.

Read more: Cost of living and Christmas market return among Lincoln Lib Dem candidate's priorities

While passionate about the cause, Linda also recognised that although people in her constituency might agree, many are preoccupied with the issues affecting them directly, predominantly the ongoing cost of living crisis. She claimed that one man she met through her campaign had a suspected heart attack because he became so stressed about rising bills.

“Who wants to see people getting bombed? Nobody. But I think there are a lot of people that are so desperate themselves. I’ve sat down and talked to people and they very much do want to help, but they are also struggling big time,” said Linda.

With that in mind, she’s promised to support struggling residents where possible should be appointed as the next Lincoln MP. “At the moment, there are so many people struggling with paying their fuel bills and having to choose between fuel, heating, or food for the table, and it’s a disgrace,” she added.

Linda insists that the people she’s met on her campaign trail feel “abandoned” and have “nowhere to go.” Therefore, in a bid to be more on hand to her constituents, she plans to open an office in the city centre should the election turn in her favour.

“A lot of MPs open an office in London and you never really see them, but I’d like to open an office in Lincoln where people come and just feel like there is somewhere to go to.”

Mrs Richardson also questioned Labour candidate Hamish Falconer’s ability to properly represent the city, noting that he grew up in London and not in the local area. “How can you know the people in Lincoln and support them in the way that they desperately need? You can’t support them if you’re not even from here.

“I’m not dissing him [Hamish] because he’s come from wealth. But how can you put yourself in those shoes and work for the people that desperately need it here when you don’t have a clue what’s going on?”

The former nurse also insisted that Westminster in general could benefit from more real-life experience. She remarked: “You look at them and you think, ‘you’re not on this planet.'”

Although recent polling projections suggest that Lincoln could be a two-horse race between the Conservatives and Labour, Linda still believes victory is a “genuine possibility” and says people have lost faith in both mainstream parties.

She continued: “People are very iffy about both of those parties. Most people, and this is honestly speaking, are saying that they’re not voting and that ‘they’re all the same.’ But for me, when I’ve explained that I’m self-funding and I’m from Lincoln and everything else, I’ve had an amazing amount of support. I mean, it might go the other way, but I’m feeling really positive.”

Even though she has yet to become a household name for many, Mrs Richardson feels this could be a strength, symbolising a breath of fresh air and a fresh slate—something she believes the whole world needs at this time.

“People are really suffering, especially with all the turbulence around the world,” she said, claiming that people are craving representatives who can talk to them on their level.

“You’re there having your £25 breakfast, grunting, groaning, and falling asleep in Parliament while I’m here with no money, and people are very angry.”

Full list of general election candidates in the Lincoln constituency:

• Karl McCartney (Conservative)

• Hamish Falconer (Labour)

• Clare Smalley (Liberal Democrat)

• Sally Anne Horscroft (Green)

• Jamie-Lee McMillan (Reform UK)

• Linda Richardson (Workers Party)

• Charles Shaw (The Liberal Party)

• Craig Marshall (Social Democratic Party)

• Laura Ashby (Independent)