THE Social Democratic Party said by voting for them "you are choosing a future that prioritises national interests and the wellbeing of our communities".

John Dowling, who is standing in Mid Dorset and North Poole, is a radiographer who lives in Wimborne. In 2023, he led, with Max Stenner, the party's campaign in Corfe Mullen for a footpath on Julian's Bridge, which attracted several hundred signatures and local coverage.

John DowlingJohn Dowling (Image: SDP)

Christchurch's candidate is Trevor Parsons, who is a retired civil servant living in Highcliffe.

Meanwhile, David Warden, the incumbent chair of Dorset Humanists, is standing in Bournemouth West.

He is retired and lives in the Westbourne and Westcliff area with his husband.

David WardenDavid Warden (Image: SDP)

The party's candidate in Bournemouth East is Miles Penn, 29, from Bournemouth.

He says he has "seen his once great town go into serious decline with poor maintenance, housing, and even knife crime".

He believes that the local leaders have "total apathy".


Miles PennMiles Penn (Image: SDP)

Daniel Woodruffe, who is standing in North Dorset, is a Royal Military Police veteran and a school governor who resides in Sturminster Newton.

For eight years, he ran a campaign to set up a free school for children with autism and Asperger's Syndrome, which came to fruition in 2020. He has three sons.

Daniel WoodruffeDaniel Woodruffe (Image: SDP)

Max Stenner, the Dorset coordinator for the SDP, said: "The Dorset SDP branch was only set up last year, and we have achieved so much progress and growth in such a short period."

Max said about the parties' policies: "Nationalising railways and household utilities is a cornerstone of the SDP's agenda.

"Under SDP leadership, railways and utilities will be brought back into public ownership, ensuring they serve the needs of British citizens with affordable and reliable energy and transport services.

"Mass immigration has strained our social fabric and undermined wage growth. Instead of relying on imported labour, the SDP advocates for investing in the training and development of our young people."

He added: "The SDP is committed to revitalising our manufacturing sector through robust industrial, energy, and skills training programmes. By implementing trade policies that protect and promote British industry, the SDP will secure well-paid jobs and ensure economic stability.

"The SDP recognises the importance of supporting family life through comprehensive welfare, education, housing, tax, and economic policies.

"Healthcare also stands to benefit from SDP reforms. While maintaining a reformed NHS free at the point of need, the SDP plans to establish a 'National Care Service' to provide comprehensive, high-quality social care across the country.

"Lastly, addressing the housing crisis is imperative."