My predecessor, Paul Goodman, on my selection,:
To win one’s first-ever Parliamentary selection – against formidable competition – is extraordinarily rare.
But Steve has managed it – and his achievement this weekend is a demonstration of his energy, gifts and enthusiasm, which I saw at first hand when I met him for the first time last week.
He clearly has a passion for business, sport and, not least, social justice. I suspect that local voters will warm to a candidate who isn’t a professional politician, who knows the area well, and who’s served his country in the armed forces.
Steve is a daring, fizzy and exciting choice. One must never take results for granted – but I’m confident that in due course he’ll be a first-class local MP, and I’m delighted for him.
CTO, technology/music industry:
Steve is a hard working, principled and intelligent guy. I would not hesitate to take the opportunity to work with him again. When I heard he was getting involved in politics, I have to say I was excited (and that is pretty much a first with regard to that subject). I believe he has the right mix to really make a difference. While our politics don’t always agree, I will be supporting him in whatever way possible. I think he will have a very positive impact both for the Conservative party and more importantly, for the people who live in the UK.
For the first time in fifteen years, I want to vote!
CEO, technology industry:
Steve is focussed, resourceful and extremely thorough, with really good, really patient people management skills and a great ability to build relationships with clients and business partners.
Client projects manager, technology industry:
Steve’s not just smart and fantastic with customers. He’s also the type who does the dull bits so his staff don’t have to; who stays late to make sure others can go early; who’s generous with his compliments but sparing with his criticism. In short, he’s the kind of guy who can get a team of people to deliver high quality software on time and enjoy themselves while doing it. That’s pretty rare.
Senior software architect and author, investment bank:
Steve is a fantastic person to work with. Witty, smart and very prepared.
Project manager, central government:
I worked with Steve on a number of eProcurement intiatives and can highly recommend Steve as an individual with excellent skills, experience and personal drive. He is a natural mediator, tactician and problem solver.
Senior software engineer, investment bank:
Steven is a great manager to have. He’s smart, brilliant, knows the business very well, and he has got the quality of putting everybody at ease within a project’s team. I’d be glad to work with Steve again and I’d recommend him to any employer.
Teach First teacher:
Steve coached me for a year and our sessions were always highly valuable and insightful. He has strong interpersonal skills and is excellent at analysing issues and breaking down problems. Through our sessions, I was able to better understand the complex problems that I needed to tackle, allowing me to devise workable strategies to achieve my goals. I have no doubt that I performed better in my job because of Steve’s coaching.
