Steve McAuliffe is one of the three Green Party Councillors representing the Arundel and Walberton Ward at Arun District Council. He is an ex-British Army Air Corps soldier and a retired ecologist, arborist and environmental management consultant. He graduated from the University of Sussex with a BSc (Hons) in Ecology and Conservation and has recently graduated from the University of Brighton with a Master of Research Degree focusing on protected species legislation and anthropogenic impact mitigation. Golf and lawn bowls are preferred pass-times as are hiking and biking the South Downs National Park and the surrounding landscape with his rescue Staffie, Nelly.
Local Authority member at Parish, Town and District levels as well as South Downs Downs National Park Board Member. Worked within politics and industry to promote positive and meaningful environmental and ecological protection strategies through a 20 year career of ecological and environmental, ecological and arboricultural consultancy.
To demonstrate that Green politics is in tune with the values and views of the majority of Arundel and South Downs constituents. To promote and champion environmental and social positivity as a way of improving society. To make the case that the current systems and policies are failing to secure a sustainable and affordable future for people, wildlife and the natural world. To make the argument that a green technology and infrastructure transition is viable, economically prudent and in all our best interests.
I believe we have a chance of taking this constituency from the Conservatives for the first time in decades. The rural tory vote is genuinely under threat and I have shown that I am a viable option for many conservatives. In the last fifteen months I have won two elections in the affluent and 'safe' tory ward of Arundel and Walberton - the second of which secured a further two Green seats and a clean sweep. Arundel is central to the Arundel and South Downs Constituency and if we can win here, as we have, then we may also be able to win over the other rural market towns that punctuate the constituency.
It is a large constituency with many isolated villages and farms. Key to success will be winning over the 'Big 7' – the key towns of Arundel; Midhurst; Petworth; Pulborough; Henfield; Steyning and Storrington. Resources will be meagre so messaging efficiency will be important. A 'Town Hall' approach will therefore be essential where people can meet, question and get to know the candidate – both as a person and in terms of values. In this way, common areas of concern and agreement can be found and highlighted. Demonstrating in person where conservative and green values coincide can win over the largest unallocated voting block: 'Tory Don't knows'. We have done this locally very successfully. Life-long conservative voters have voted for green candidates in unprecedented numbers - doubling the conservative tallies consistently. A strong in-person campaign coupled with social media and crowd funding will give us the best chance of doing well.
Solid core knowledge of environmental issues; experienced public speaking; locally established and well known; solid track record of delivering on campaign promises to date; actively helping residents with existing issues demonstrating hard work and an ability to get things done.