There’s more to North Dorset than wealthy farmers: Green Party candidate sets out his priorities

Mr Barrington has lived in the county for more than 40 years, 25 of them in his prospective constituency, and this election will be his first step into the minefield of politics.

He said despite the constituency’s reputation for being the home of wealthy farmers and retirees, many residents are very poor and struggle with substandard infrastructure.

“There is a lack of public transport and of a sensible north-south route through the county. There are problems with access to sensible housing for many young people and many can’t afford to buy here, which is causing tension within families,” he said. “Also the healthcare situation needs to be addressed with no nearby accident and emergency unit.

“There needs to be more of a look at all these issues together.”

He also said more should be done to help and support farmers and local businesses to boost the local economy, and advocated better land management in the constituency to reduce flooding down on the coast.

Mr Barrington, who has worked for small businesses in the county, including the Bournemouth English Book Centre, as well as multinational firms, has a further family connection to the area – his father Jim Barrington lent his name to the theatre at the Ferndown Community Centre.

His children went to school locally and he feels a close attachment to the county.

For the last 10 years his work has been focused on sustainability, with an emphasis on climate change and low energy technologies.

“I only joined the party last year, I had become very disappointed by the way the economy had been run for the last 20 years and how it had affected the poor and the middle class,” he said.

“I see the issues faced by the people of north Dorset as green issues, politicians are thinking too short term and don’t appreciate the benefits the natural economy brings us.”

North Dorset Green Party also plans to stand candidates in all 19 district council wards in May.