Phil Wheeler
Fighting for everyone
in our town
Firefighter, humanitarian relief responder, and climate policy expert.
Join the campaign!
LOCAL
I grew up in Tunbridge Wells. I co-managed the soup bowl in the town centre while still at school - and I’m still volunteering in local food banks more than two decades later.
My first job at 18 was as a dustman collecting the bins here, and though I've moved all over the world for work, I've been back for years too. I am a full-time Firefighter.
I’ve lived in Southborough, Silverdale, Rusthall, and by Dunorlan Park - I'm at home across many areas.
I’ve volunteered on my Parish Council and love the diverse and unique communities across the towns and villages around Tunbridge Wells.
PREPARED
From social housing in Tunbridge Wells and attending my local comprehensive (Bennett), I graduated with a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Oxford.
This taught me how to administer governments considerately, and with a crisp focus on evidence-based policy. It’s a programme designed to prepare future leaders for political responsibility - training many of our elected representatives are sorely missing.
A WINNER IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS
For the last three electoral cycles I have led successful campaigns in Tunbridge Wells and now, Labour have a record-high number of Council seats in the town. Together we’ve taken seats from the Tories and the Lib Dems.
We are transforming the campaigning capacity of the local party - a culture of campaigning hard, and working hard, is growing locally. Record levels of volunteers supported the election campaign in 2023, and as a result of my focus on fundraising this past year, we are heading into an election cycle with the most money we've ever had.
MODERATE
I’m happy to find common ground across party lines on any topic we can agree on. An avowed believer in collaboration and consensus; I have good working relationships and friendships with people of different parties across Tunbridge Wells, and beyond.
I’m more interested in getting things done than political squabbling.
INTERNATIONAL
I’m proud to have helped local communities across the globe respond to disasters, working with governments at all levels - my disaster relief team was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
I have also attended COP climate negotiations with civil society in both Paris and Glasgow, negotiating alongside underrepresented communities.
I learned Mandarin while working in Beijing, giving me unique insight into the preeminent geostrategic threat of this century.
I’m ready to engage in complex international affairs from day one, at the highest levels.
PRINCIPLED
If elected I will become (with Caroline Lucas retiring) the only MP who has been on the frontlines of climate crisis action.
I’ve led peaceful protests across Europe calling for urgent action to help us live in balance with nature. Time working with Amnesty International and Greenpeace International solidified my universal values.
Action Plan
By focusing on solutions that prioritise the needs of our community, we can build a brighter future. It's time to reverse the neglect brought upon us by Tory governments.
Get in touch!
Now I've told you a bit about me and why I think I’m the right person for the job – I’d love to hear your ideas. So please get in touch if you’d like to talk!
