My name is Paul Taylor, known online and to my friends as theaardvark, and whilst I might look like a character from The Vikings, I am in actual fact your Labour Party candidate for Chasetown in the 2022 Lichfield District Council by-election. I am also currently a Burntwood Town Councillor representing the Summerfield & All Saints Ward

I am a local family man who has spent 95% of my life in Burntwood and raised my 3 children here, who are now grown up. As a former local business owner myself, I am passionate about championing and supporting other local businesses and groups in Burntwood and getting the best for its people.

As a former civil servant and a current Town Councillor, I have a clear idea of how the system works and how I can make a difference. 

I want the best for Burntwood, to ensure it gets its fair share of funding and support from the county and will campaign for a new health centre as well as a fresh approach for the planning and infrastructure that is needed in the town centre.

My business knowledge is strong as I work in VAT and Customs Duty, which may sound dull but has given me great insight into regulations and finances. In stark contrast to my day job, at the weekend I am a DJ, live-streaming mixed music shows. I ran a successful DJ business with my wife for nearly 30 years. The huge range of both corporate and entertainment clients over the years means my communication skills are top-notch and I am comfortable in any environment and have a diverse local network.

The recent pandemic has changed how a lot of us do work and business and how local government functions. Councils are now embracing technology for meetings and communications. I have been working with these technologies daily for the last 15 years+. And I know this knowledge will help me excel in my role as a councillor.

My life hasn’t always been straightforward, I have previously been a carer and I am well aware of the strain this can put on a person and their family and I will always provide a voice for carers and help them get the support they need.

I strive to make a difference and over the last 5 years I have undertaken numerous charity challenges in and around Burntwood. These have included walking 1 million steps in February 2020, walking The Two Saints Way (Lichfield to Chester) and a 66-mile swim over 12 weeks at the Burntwood Leisure Centre, all of which created some online recognition for myself and the charities involved.

Overall, I believe government both central and local should put people first and should be supporting those in difficult or poor circumstances, and I will be fighting for fairness and equity throughout Burntwood and pledge to be a true voice for local people if you vote for me.