Subscribe via RSS.

• Bill: Conor, it’s great you’re standing to be Bournemouth West’s next MP, but before we get into all the politics - tell me a little about your childhood, where did you grow up?
• Bill: So when did you become interested in politics?
• Bill: And at what point did you actually decide that you wanted to serve as an elected politician?
• Bill: In general, how would you sum up your political outlook?
• Bill: Moving on, a question that I am sure will be on the minds of many residents is what experience you have and what do you do for a living now?  Tell me a little about your career.
• Bill: Looking forward, what sort of MP do you want to be?
• Bill: Thinking of Bournemouth West, what do you see as your main priorities?
• Bill: This sounds very localised. Don’t you think that people want their MP to be debating the big issues of the day as well?
• Bill: Conor, you sound incredibly busy, but what do you do to relax?
• Bill: And here on the set of Coronation Street, tell us - what are your favourite TV programmes?
• Bill: Conor, it has been great talking to you. Any last comments?

Conor Burns... in conversation

Conor: I spent the first seven years of my life in Belfast before my family moved to Hertfordshire.  I didn’t realise until we left how odd it was with the Troubles then. But it was a very happy childhood.  I went to a great school which had a wonderful ethos. We did a lot of charity work in the community and there was a real sense of a duty to help those less fortunate.

Conor: My family followed current affairs keenly and always talked about the news.  I became politically aware when Margaret Thatcher was in power. It was an exciting time that influenced me significantly.

Conor: To be honest it was more of a process than a moment.  The nearest to a ‘moment’ was after we had completed a school charity project at a psychiatric hospital and then the Government closed it.  I was so angry when I saw one of the residents homeless on the streets – a victim of so-called ‘care in the community’.  I think then I decided I would try and enter politics.

Conor: I trust people.  The job of the state is to create a climate where people can achieve their best.  I believe in striving towards equality of opportunity where young people are given the best possible start in life.  And I believe that human wants will never be satisfied by endless political promises.

Conor: I currently work with the Chairman of a construction and civil engineering company in Southampton and also for a communication and public affairs company in London that advises some leading charities.  Previously  I ran the southern region of a large insurance company including Bournemouth and Poole.  Some years ago I was also involved in starting an information services company from scratch  that grew to employ over 100 people.

Conor:  One that does his best for local people.  In the last year I’ve often taken the MP’s advice surgery when the current MP has been unavailable.  That’s the side of politics that people don’t see – where local people come with problems and you are their last chance for help.  That’s the most difficult side but also the most rewarding.

Conor:  I think firstly always to remember that the seat is made up of Bournemouth and parts of Poole. I want to see more visible policing that reassures people and stops our town centres being lost to drunken yobs.  More schools that provide the level of excellence offered by our local Grammars.  Protection and strengthening our local NHS services.

Conor: I think you can do both - but I make no apology for putting local people and their issues first.  If we are going to restore the public’s trust in politics then politicians on the ground have a real duty to show in word and deed how they care. 

 Conor: I have watched Coronation Street since the days of Bet Lynch – I think it’s great comedy!  I also enjoy ‘Come Dine with Me’ and ‘Spooks’.  Much to many of my friends mirth, I really love watching snooker.