Lived Experience, Real Leadership – What Shaped Me and What I’ll Fight For
- Apr 28, 2025
- 3 min read
What I’ve Lived – and What I’ve Learned
Life is going well for me at the moment, and I’m thankful for that. Maybe I appreciate it more because I’ve known difficult times—times that quietly change how you see the world and how you listen to others.
You can’t truly understand unemployment until you’ve faced it.
In 1980, I graduated as a structural engineer—just as the economy collapsed. Despite my qualifications, I couldn’t get a job. I sent out application after application and didn’t even get interviews for roles I was overqualified for.
Meanwhile, friends moved forward in their careers. I didn’t resent them—but I did feel invisible. It knocks your confidence, makes you question your worth. That experience never left me.
You can’t fully grasp disability until your independence is limited.
Eighteen months ago, I had a hip replacement. For a few months, basic tasks—putting on socks, getting out of bed, even simply standing up—became a real struggle. It was temporary for me. But it made me think about the reality for people who face these struggles every day, especially those with invisible disabilities.
That’s why I’m so concerned about the government’s plans to change Personal Independence Payment (PIP). I know people—like a friend of mine, a former miner with severe disabilities—who are terrified they’ll lose the support they rely on. My friend is only on the standard rate -in my view, he deserves more, not less.
Access is everything.
When I was recovering, even a small step felt like a mountain. For someone using a wheelchair, those same steps are permanent barriers. We need to do more to adapt older buildings and design inclusive spaces. Not just because it's nice—but because it’s right.
Fairness and dignity matter.
I too was affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal – I was interviewed under caution and forced to resign as Sub Postmaster of Clifton Post Office. I have recently received an offer of compensation that barely covers my losses, but I view this offer as acceptance of my innocence which is priceless. If I had been prosecuted I would have had to resign from Newton with Clifton Parish and Fylde Borough Councils.
What I’ll Fight For – Campaign Priorities for Fylde
If elected, I won’t just bring experience—I’ll bring determination and common sense to fight for real change, both in Fylde East and across Lancashire.
Here’s where I stand:
💡 Smarter Energy Decisions
I’ve led the charge for an alternative windfarm cable route—one that’s cheaper (£450 million saved), smarter (28km less disruption), and faster to deliver – and would attract businesses and bring employment opportunities to the region via the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone.
🏊 Bring Back Kirkham Baths
Kirkham Baths is a community asset left to rot due to political inaction. I’ve pushed for proper investment instead of relying on uncertain lottery bids. If we wait until reorganisation, the decision may be taken out of our hands.
🌊 Change Flooding Policy
Developments shouldn’t just avoid making things worse—they should be required to improve drainage. Our current policy lets problems continue. Government needs to be pressed to change policy and put residents first.
🚗 Fix Transport Inequality
Too much infrastructure funding is swallowed up by the South East, but easing congestion in one area simply moves it somewhere else - diverting just a fraction of national spend to the provinces would make a massive difference elsewhere. A recent report identified a new bridge over the Ribble as being crucial to easing congestion in and around Preston.
👮 Take Drug Crime Seriously
We need better funding and smarter policing to address the root of crime. Excuses don’t solve problems—action does.
🏳️🌈 Stand Up for Equality
No one should suffer because of who they are. Not in a small way, not ever. I’ll always stand up for dignity and respect, no matter your background, beliefs or identity.
Why Independent Matters
I’ve always been Independent. That means I’ve never had to answer to a party whip or play political games. I only answer to you—the residents of Fylde East.
When party politics gets in the way of real progress, it’s time to make a different choice.
May 1st is your chance to do just that.
Let’s protect what matters. Let’s build a Fylde that works for everyone.
Follow my Facebook page for straight-talking updates and real answers on the issues that matter to Fylde.
—Peter Collins
Independent Candidate for Fylde East
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