Rossendale and Darwen Constituency

Candidate - Daniel Matchett

Biography:

I was born in Chorley and grew up in Leyland and the surrounding areas. I have lived in Darwen with my wife since 2016 and I have a daughter who is now 18 years old. As an advocator for positive and practical change I've dedicated my life to public service.

My 20 years plus working within the industry of mental health and ten years plus as a Mental Health Nurse for both the NHS and local authority, within a multitude of different specialities, has given me a unique perspective on the needs and challenges we face in today's society. I understand the intricacies of working within a political environment, especially in the healthcare sector, and I'm well-aware of the successes and limitations of the NHS.

I also have an extensive background in teaching, having lectured at the University of Cumbria in the field of mental health nursing. In my earlier days and beyond, I was self-employed as a guitar teacher at various music schools in Lancashire over a ten-year period teaching children and adults how to master the art of rock! When I was 19 years old, I was employed by an American summer camp in New Jersey for two consecutive summers to be their music and rock band instructor.

I have lent myself to the pursuit of many interests over the years, not limited to just nursing but including a passion for TV, videography and postproduction having studied for a master’s degree at MediaCityUK. I have seen firsthand what is happening to our institutions, not just in the NHS, but with the BBC and our broadcast media.

Our campaign is grounded in the belief that democracy should be free from coercion, woke ideologies and cancel cultures. I champion a society where common sense prevails, economic growth is high and taxes are low, state interventions are minimal and freedom of speech is preserved.

Having witnessed alternative approaches to pressing issues, such as spending time in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic, I'm convinced that there are better ways to navigate political crises, ways that prioritize our freedoms and choices as well as protecting citizens when the need arises. Freedom is precious - we should never lock down our children again.