Matt Bishop is passionate about the Forest of Dean. It’s where he lives and works. Matt’s experience in education, health and policing makes him a great candidate for MP. He knows how hard life has been and how public services have been broken under the Conservatives.
Matt lives in Cinderford. Born in Newport, South Wales, Matt joined the Police Force aged 18 and served in three forces during his career. A car accident on duty led to injuries that eventually meant he had to make the difficult decision to leave the police force, and to many appointments with the NHS. He is proud of his time as a police officer and knows how important it is for local people to have the peace of mind of a strong, functional police force.
Matt’s wife is from Cinderford and they’ve lived there since 2007, with their two teenage children. Since leaving the Police, Matt has worked for Children’s Social Care in Gloucestershire, and as a Tenancy Enforcement Caseworker in Social Housing. In 2020 Matt became an Education Welfare Officer at Dene Magna school in Mitcheldean. His vast experience in the public sector, in areas that often impact the more vulnerable in society, make him hugely aware of difficulties people face and he wants to work to make people see improvements in their everyday lives.
Labour’s Plan for Schools
Matt believes strongly in education, with open opportunities for everyone. He is a school governor and trustee for several primary and secondary schools. Matt is a member of the Gloucestershire Schools Forum and a Local Leader in Governance.
“I see the need for more teachers and Labour’s plans for breakfast clubs will give all young children a better start,” Matt said.
Community at heart
Matt has always stepped up to play his part for the community and his colleagues at work. He is a trade union rep and has been a football coach for a local youth team.
He works as a Town Councillor and a District Councillor, representing Cinderford East. He is currently Labour Group Leader on the District Council. His public service also includes being a trustee for the Gloucestershire NHS and for a childcare setting. His passion to make things better and give something back, are clear examples of how committed he will be to the people of the Forest of Dean.
“I want to give the people of this fantastic place a voice in Parliament,” he said.
Get the NHS back on its feet
Matt has had much personal experience of the NHS and this is one reason why he works to support delivering better services and became a governor for the Gloucestershire NHS Hospitals. Matt declares: “I will fight for a better and stronger NHS. Local people need better access to high quality services and dentistry when needed.”
Protecting the environment
“The choice is clear,” Matt said. “The Conservatives have rolled back environmental commitments, granted new licences for oil and gas drilling and have allowed private companies to pollute our rivers. It is shocking that the Wye and the Severn have been so badly affected.
“Labour will sanction water companies, has bold environmental policies for improving homes, tackling pollution and a new public energy company to drive renewable electricity and cut energy bills.”
Time for change
Matt says: “Britain is a great country, but it has been badly let down over the last 14 years. The Tories have left the country worse off than when they started. Living standards are down. Crime goes unpunished. Ambulances don’t come. Schools crumble over our children’s heads. Sewage floods our waters. Mortgages and food prices are through the roof.”
“There’s a clear choice at this election: More chaos with the Tories, or stability with Labour. More decline and division. Or hope and unity with a changed Labour Party under Keir Starmer. Labour has a long-term, serious plan to change Britain.”