Stephen Shing is an independent candidate for Eastbourne constituency. Born in Hong Kong, Stephen came to Britain in 1955. Feeling that he has been unfairly treated by the local government, he became a councillor in 1997 to change things and has served his council ever since. He is also the owner of Stephen’s Takeaway, a restaurant which he sat up in 1987.

When and why did you decide to become a councillor?
In 1997, I experienced firsthand unfair treatment by the local council so I wanted to change things. When I applied to refurbish Stephen’s Takeaway, I was turned down by the planning authority without good reason. I decided to become a councillor in August 1997 and was elected as a Parish Councillor in November of the same year.

When and why did you decide to become a candidate?
I had made my decision to stand in February 2010 because I feel that now is the time for radical change in the way in which our country is run. This is quite close to election date because as an individual candidate both time and finances are limited.

Why were you a Liberal Democrat when you first become a councillor? And why did you become an Independent Democrat after 2005?
I was originally a Liberal Democrat because I got on well with the people in the party about 20 years ago. However, in 2005, I was told that I had put the party into disrepute and was expelled from the Liberal Democrat. I did not do anything to bring the party into disrepute and they did not tell me what is it was that I did wrong. They simply said I was no longer allowed to be a Liberal Democrat and I was not provided with the opportunity to defend this allegation. With the unfair treatment and expulsion, I became an independent and because I liked the idea of being a democrat, I called myself an Independent Democrat

Did you receive any support from existing parties?
Absolutely not.

What are the main issues that people in your electorate/UK are concerned about?
There are lot’s of issues but the main issues that need real improvement are education, public transport, Fairer Tax and the health services.

What are the policies that your party (Con, Lib Dem, Lab, Indie) are bringing to address them?
(Focus on: the Economy, Healthcare, Education, Social welfare)
I provide action and positive results, not policies and empty promises. This is because one cannot solve a problem unless one examines an issue first and has an idea how to solve that problem backed by practical experience. Many problems also are unpredictable, for example, no one said what they would do in the last election concerning the credit crunch because they simply did not know about it. Thus I ask my residents to trust my credibility and vote for me, and through a close working relationship, I will provide them with practical solutions when the time comes.

What have you personally achieved for your constituency?
Lots of things, but I do not keep a record of them (we are talking 13 years). I think the large number small things that I have achieved are very important, because when people come to me for help with small issues, they really need my help. But also it is the fact that by coming to me, they believe that I will do my utmost best to help them, which is what I do.

If elected, what will you do for the British Chinese community?
I am elected to serve all people who come to me for help, so it is wrong for me to provide preferential treatment the Chinese community. If individual Chinese residents come to me for help, I am very happy to help them. I believe the Chinese community is wrong to assume that Chinese MP’s are duty bound to do something special for them just because of ethnic ties. Chinese MPs, like everyone else are elected by all people and shall serve all people. 

How would you encourage the British Chinese to be more politically active in the UK?
I think it is important that they should register and vote. 
 
 Why should people vote for you / your party?
Because over the past 13 years, I have demonstrated time and time again my excellent track record for getting positive results for the community and an enthusiasm to improve the lives of my constituents. 


Any other comments /quotes for Dimsum readers?
Get involved and do what you personally believe is the right thing to do.

Have you had support from the British Chinese community?
Hardly. I have sent numerous press releases to the Chinese Press in the UK who published articles with my contact details if readers or the Chinese Communities would be interested in supporting me. Depite these articles, I did not hear back from any readers or Community groups The only support I have had are from my close friends who have actively assisted me in my campaign and some donations from personal friends.

If you have received support from the British Chinese community, would you do something special for them?
Again, I would be very grateful if the British Chinese Community supported me, however, if elected, I would still be duty bound to treat every resident fairly and equally without preferential treatment and to the rule of law.

What have you done so far in terms of campaign?
I have hand delivered 100,000 letters to the people in the Eastbourne area asking for them to support me. I have also sent press releases to the local newspapers.

What are your chances to be elected?
I believe that my chances are fair; otherwise I would not invest so much time and effort in a cause that I did not believe to be viable.