Name: Kerena Marchant 

Age: 58

Education: 

As a Deaf person my education was a negative experience until I taught myself to read and write. To support my education fully I attended a small boarding school. I then attended Bexhill 6th Form College and Bristol University.

 

Profession: 

I have put my career on hold for this election because I want to do the best I can to represent Basingstoke. Normally I am a television producer and journalist. I have made a variety of programmes about political, religious, educational and social issues. I also work with parents of children with SEN and people going through the benefits system.

 

Family life: 

I am a widow, my husband died when my Disabled son was a small baby. My son is now a teenager, he is at university and is just starting his journey into adulthood which is so tough for young people today.  

 

What car do you drive?

I have a car, a small Nissan, but only use this for essential journeys. Otherwise I walk, use a bicycle or public transport to help the environment.

 

Where did you last go on holiday? 

I tend to go on holiday in the UK to avoid flying for ecological reasons. I like going camping with the dogs. My last holiday was to the British Flyball Championships at Catton Hall in Derbyshire to represent my flyball team.

 

What was the last thing you ate?

A banana out campaigning. I always choose a brand with a good policy on sustainability. Bananas are the best convenience food, they even come with their own natural packaging, no need for plastic!

 

Have you ever taken illegal drugs? 

No, no would I.

 

When was the last time you cried? 

Comforting a parent on the doorstep whose child had been long-term out of school. I get really distressed when I see our young people being let down, that’s why a new approach to education is needed.

 

What is your favourite book of all time?

The Lord of the Rings. It’s a beautifully written story of how people from different backgrounds can work together to overcome a great evil and threat and where the little people save the world.

 

What are you ties to the area you hope to represent? 

Over the last 15 years I’ve spent a lot of time in the Basingstoke area as there is a large Deaf community. My son and I have also represented Basingstoke flyball and agility clubs at national and international level.  

 

What’s your favourite restaurant in Basingstoke?

My favourite place to eat is Oliver’s Fish and Chips, it’s part of my son’s childhood. It’s a shame the puffer fish is no longer on the wall.

 

Where do you do your food shopping? 

I generally use Farmers’ Markets as it means I can support local produce and reduce the amount of plastic everything is wrapped up in these days.

 

Describe your perfect Friday night: 

Camping at a flyball or dog agility show with my son, dogs and our sporting family. Fresh air and good company and no computer screens!

 

What’s your favourite drink? 

A cup of tea, or two! If I’m out with friends I may have a glass of merlot.

 

Best place in Hampshire in your opinion? 

There are so many to choose form. My special place is Watership Down where I used to train and walk my dogs or along the Test Valley.

 

Do you think MPs should be allowed to hire their family members? 

Certainly not!

 

In a sentence, why do you deserve the gig?

I’m not a career politician but an ordinary person like you. I want to put people at the heart of politics and give something back to society. Nobody should have to fight like I have for my son and others. Things have to change and I want to work to bring about that change.

 

What do you think the biggest issue facing residents of Basingstoke? 

The biggest issue facing  residents in Basingstoke is the impact of housing development without the infrastructures to support it. Roads, schools, the hospital, GP surgeries are struggling to cope with it. This is on top of the cuts due to 10 years of austerity. Also Basingstoke has a long way to go to meet the climate target of 2030.

 

In a sentence, what do you want to change if you are elected?

Increased investment for Basingstoke. We need investment, not cuts if we are to improve the infrastructure to create the best environment for people to live and work in. I want to see a Green New Deal for Hampshire. I’d also like to be an MP who has their office at the heart of the community, listens to people and represents them – this is about giving back to the community.