James Sapwell

James has been speaking to numerous political parties over the past week with regards his future in politics. James wishes to remain true to his core values and is close to deciding which party to join. As soon as it is confirmed jamessapwell.com will report on James’ choice.

I must first congratulate Eric Pickles on his success here in Brentwood and Ongar. This has been one of the most important elections of all time and we’re delighted to have been involved. I’d like to thank all the candidates in the constituency for making this the greatest experience of my life.

We stood here to make a difference. We aimed to make an impact and encourage more young people to go out and vote. Turnout was almost 72% – up 4% and that was what we were trying to effect. We were never going to win this constituency but we could impact upon that. I’m not going to claim the turnout improved as a direct result of this campaign, but we certainly had an effect.

It’s been an incredible period of my life, I’ve met some amazing people, learnt more about the incredible people I already knew, and more about my society and spirit it possesses.

I’m proud of so many different aspects of this campaign. The honesty and integrity we have displayed throughout, we’ve done this the right way completely and that’s exceedingly pleasing. I’m proud of the amount of people that have got involved, taken an interest and wished us well that otherwise wouldn’t have even voted. Young people have taken pride in voting today and shown a commitment to the future of this town, this country and themselves, they should be congratulated for doing so. I’m proud of the way we have not once followed the traditional politics method of negative campaign. We’ve been fresh and we’ve been vibrant and very purple.

However, the memory that means most to me, and what I’m more proud of than anything else is the real team effort that I’ve been a part of. Together we’ve achieved so much and there’s no way anything like this was possible without your help. We’ve had fewer resources than anyone else, but no-one can beat the enthusiasm and team spirit we’ve displayed. There are so many people I have to thank, and I do from the bottom of my heart and I will be eternally grateful. To my fantastic group of friends for their constant support and for helping out wherever and whenever they could, My amazing family for their unwavering belief in me and what we were trying to achieve, both monetary and psychologically, Aron Rice for creating our fantastic website and his technical support, Mark Nicholas for his backing, knowledge and passion, The army who have given up their own spare time and helped me deliver so many purple leaflets to Brentwood and Ongar homes, Mike Hickford, Martin Larrett, Maddie Gingell, Georgia Farrell, David Greene, Michelle Tinkler and Laura ‘trooper’ Underwood and Family, your support and help have meant so much. Those people who have displayed ‘Vote Sapwell’ posters wherever they could and all those who emailed me wishing me luck and giving support, luck and advice. You have all contributed to the success of this campaign. Thanks also to Peter Bowyer, for so ably stepping in as my personal manager when required.

This campaign has been my life. It’s been all I’ve dreamt about, thought about and talked about for the past few weeks. I have in the past been guilty of making bold statements and not quite seeing them through. This time was different though, we were always going to do this. This was my idea and it was I who took this challenge on knowing how much of my life it would take up. Richard didn’t really have that choice. I sort of forced it upon him. From the start he has wanted nothing but the best for this campaign. He’s driven me miles and miles, written speeches, which I often forgot, taken photographs, supported me wherever I’ve gone, dressed me, despaired at me but most of all he’s shared the memories and the laughs with me. He’s not always had the credit he deserves, in fact he’s had none of it and he hasn’t complained too much about that. I think he knows how crucial to the success of all this he has been, because mate, you’ve been instrumental and I hope this isn’t the last of our rather wacky adventures. And we’ve only argued once, in 3 months, that’s some going. Cheers man, forever.

As for the legacy, well I hope it exists. So many people have taken an interest and got involved, that was the aim and I hope your interest is maintained for ever, or else I may have to stand again. We’re not going to leave this here. We will continue to pursue our goals. Whether that means standing again in the future we will have to see. We were never going to win here, but we made an impact and that’s an incredible achievement. The future is brighter because of today and we’ve all played a part in that.

If anyone has another challenge to offer me, please go ahead. Give me the hardest thing you can think of because i’ll have a go. I’d love a job too

Tomorrow is the culmination of the efforts of so many fantastic people. The whole point of this campaign was to encourage more people to be involved and vote. So far, the response has been amazing, but it’s tomorrow where that all counts. Please, go out and vote. And be proud about doing so.

I will urge you a final time to vote for a young man for a real passion for this area, the more votes we achieve tomorrow the louder our voices will be heard in the future and I believe that is essential to the future success of this fantastic town. A vote for me tomorrow is the only vote for real change.

Many thanks for your support,

James

Dear All,

The past few weeks and months have been an incredible rollercoaster ride. We’re three days away from the culmination of everybody’s hard work and we have the chance to make an impact on this election. The truth be told we already have. I apologise for the lack of recent updates to this website, the team have been out everyday delivering leaflets and meeting the people of Brentwood and Ongar, we simply haven’t had the opportunity.

Sadly we haven’t been able to get round to every home in the constituency, simply we don’t have the budget. If I haven’t been able to get to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Actually considering the resources available to the main parties in terms of both money and people power our success here has been astounding. I know though that we will judged on the amount of votes we achieve on Thursday.

To that extent I urge you to vote for a young man with the drive, determination and ability to put everything he has said into practice. I am the only option other than the Conservatives in Brentwood and Ongar, and if they are elected nothing will change here. A young, fresh voice in politics without any preconceived ideas can only be a positive thing and I urge us to be the pioneers.

Don’t be put off by my age, it simply doesn’t mean anything. Except for Eric Pickles I have just as much Parliamentary Experience as all my rivals. With experience comes habit, habits don’t change and they won’t change this country. I know one thing, never take anything for granted. I am realist, but I also watched Southend United beat Manchester United a few years ago. Anything could happen at this election, it’s an extremely exciting time. Most of all I want you to be a part of it, make sure you have your say and use your vote.

Best Wishes (And Vote Sapwell)

James Sapwell

On Monday 26th, James arrived in Ongar high street, driven by Richard, in a Second World War Jeep. Their aim, as it stated on the side of the vehicle was to put across the feeling that James has his “Eyes on the future, but is also remembering the past.”

Both James and Richard (who wore his World War Two uniform of the Essex Regiment) patrolled up and down the row of shops handing out flyers and meeting a number of people who confirmed their support for the independent candidate.

They also travelled to Kelvedon Hatch and South Weald where he greeted eager parents who were keen to find out more about James and what he plans do for the area.

James stated that “The Jeep may be seen as a gimmick but today is all about showing my support for the area’s history as well as the local initiatives, such as re-enactment groups and educational organisations”.

As the day ended, there was one sentiment that remained at the heart of this outing; ‘A nation that forgets it’s past. Has no future.’

James, with Campaign Agent Richard, blitz the streets of Ongar.

 Photo Coutesey of Amy McCarthy.

Martin Bell OBE stood against current MP Eric Pickles in 2001. He had a great deal of support and came closer to winning the Brentwood and Ongar seat from the Conservatives than anyone else since its inception. Martin became the first successful independent candidate since 1951 when he defeated Neil Hamilton to win the seat of Tatton in Cheshire in 1997. He had a long association with the BBC, working there from 1962 until 1997, winning Reporter of the Year in 1977 and again in 1993. James has been in contact with Martin and a number of his supporters during his election campaign and James hopes to encourage many of Martin Bell’s supporters from 2001 to vote for James in his bid to become Brentwood and Ongar MP.

“The Support from Martin Bell is a great motivation for me. His campaign here in 2001 is the inspiration for our campaign and I believe this election is another oppertunity to elect the real change Brentwood and Ongar needs at this time .”

I have the fondest memories of my campaign in Brentwood and Ongar in
2001.  I was supported by some wonderful people who came close to
success and showed that there is no such thing as an absolutely safe
seat.

Martin Bell

The following is article written about James and Richard’s visit to St Hilda’s School in Southend. The Students are holding their own mock election to teach them the workings of the British Political System and the school asked James and Richard to give a talk on how to go about running an election campaign. Southend Echo covered the event.

A 19 year old Independent candidate in the forthcoming General Election gave inspiration to pupils at a Westcliff school where pupils are staging their own mock election.

Passion for politics has led pupils at St Hilda’s School in Imperial Avenue on a campaign to elect three party leaders to battle it out on issues of their own choosing.

An impressed James Sapwell, who is fighting the Brentwood and Ongar seat held by Tory party chairman Eric Pickles, told the next generation of young voters that they were bucking the national trend.

Vote apathy in the under 25s means only a third are represented, claimed James.

“That’s a shocking statistic and I particularly want to engage and energise more young people in politics.”

“Image is all important for the next generation and I am helping to engage them through Facebook and the message is spreading like wildfire.”

James, a former head boy at Brentwood High School, is working in pizza delivery and states youth unemployment is a major issue for him. He wants to see more opportunity in the form of apprenticeships offered to young people.

Teacher Mrs Catherine Negus who has responsibility for Citizenship at St Hilda’s said : “The girls are following the whole election process starting with electoral registration through to choosing party leaders and the issues on which they are most passionate. James’ visit really inspired them.”

James who studied politics at A level , has a campaign budget of £500 and a team which includes his uncle, politics teacher and school friend Richard Bass as his campaign manager.

One of the youngest ever prospective parliamentary candidates, James claims if he wins the safe tory seat he will give half of his first year’s salary and a quarter of his second year’s salary to local youth and regeneration projects.

Nominations for the 2010 General Election are now closed and you can see the Notice of Election Agents’ Names and Offices for the Election of a Member of Parliament for Brentwood & Ongar here.

Here you can also view the Statement of Persons Nominated, Notice of Poll and Situation of Polling Stations for the Election of a Member of Parliament for Brentwood and Ongar.

Information is also available on the fantastic Activ Brentwood Site – there are detials about how to stay in tune with all the candidates in the upcoming election. http://www.activbrentwood.com/directory/Content/BrentwoodElection2010Candidates-505.html

James with the rest of the Candidates before the debate.

Today, James attended a debate at Brentwood School. The aim was to give students, from across the borough, a chance to hear what the political candidates had to say, and to voice their opinions on matters at hand. It was a well organised debate attended by David Kendall (Liberal Democrats Candidate), Eric Pickles (Conservative Candidate), Heidi Benzing (Labour Candidate), Michael McGough (UKIP Candidate), Robin Tillbrook (English Democrats Candidate) and of course, our own Independent James Sapwell.

James won a prestigious amount of respect from both his opposition and his audience who were quite pleased to see him not involved in the inter-party bickering. He delivered his sentiments well and achieved the second largest majority vote from the audience. Although this speech was primarily for his young audience and the younger people of Brentwood and Ongar, he wants to make it known that he is devoted to making sure everyone is represented and promises not to alienate the older generations of the constituency, after all; “A place that forgets its past has no future.” His first public speech was truely uplifting and showed the people of the constituency he is the man who can deliver.

To see James’ opening address and the compelling speech he made, follow the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZICi-_KZXuU

Following accusations levelled at me this morning I wish to categorically deny any involvement in the removal of ‘Conservatives’ signs from public places. I wish to remind everyone that this in fact theft and I condemn anyone involved in these acts. I refute any suggestions that me or me my team were behind these thefts. We are doing things properly and legally and these accusations are simply unjustified.