Ian Hawking describes himself as a townie turned country lover, and has pledged to fight for rural issues, including the issue of family inheritance tax for farmers. He lives in a small hamlet near Wheathampstead and Redbourn, which he says has more livestock than residents. “In a short space of time, I’ve thrown myself into country life. I love it, and I’ve got to know the villages, hamlets and the people around here that care as passionately about this beautiful area as much as I do. I really think it’s vital for somebody who represents this area to actually live here to know what the issues are. People around here are very passionate about the area where they live and about the countryside, and they expect to be consulted on proposed changes. They expect a partnership between themselves and decision makers at St Albans District Council. And that is not something I’m seeing happening.”
As Chairman of the Conservative Rural Forum for Hertfordshire, he has been an advocate for rural matters within the party: “That includes liaising with Parliamentarians and shadow ministers as to what’s been happening in Hertfordshire and championing our beautiful county.” “Obviously the most prominent issue with the Conservative Rural Forum at the moment is inheritance tax, and I was at the farmers’ rally in Westminster recently. I’m looking at hopefully getting one of the shadow DEFRA team to come to this area to listen to local farmers and help repeal this cruel tax.”
Harpenden Rural covers Wheathampstead, Redbourn, Sandridge and the hamlets and clusters of houses around them. There are a lot of farms in this area that will be badly impacted by the tax. “They certainly aren’t all wealthy or driving around in expensive vehicles, and a lot of them come from generations that have farmed their land.”
He is already a rural parish councillor for the area where he lives and sees the county council elections as an opportunity to put himself forward as someone who is passionate about the rural environment. “I’m happiest when I’ve got my wellies on and I’m plodding around the beautiful countryside around here. Development is another hot topic, especially around St Albans and Harpenden, and I want to maintain the beautiful rural environment that we live in while improving services for local communities.”
He believes any new development needs to be agreed in consultation with residents and include any necessary infrastructure. “I think the Lib Dems have taken this area for granted because they have around 90% of members on the District Council and have overwhelming control, but going out on the doorsteps and talking to people shows there has actually been a complete step change away from them. Proposed parking charges in Harpenden is a huge issue. They ignored the consultation which showed that 95% were against their proposals. My priority is to stand up for the community and become involved in decision making. I want to give rural residents a voice, whether they are from the farming community or live in the hamlets or a village, irrespective of financial background or where they come from in life.”
He says he also wants to address the issues of rural crime and fly-tipping,
When he’s not campaigning for rural affairs, Ian spends his time training his Labrador Luna on Nomansland Common and Heartwood Forest and working with the voluntary sector.
