Your Independent Candidate for Brize Norton & Carterton East

Barry Ingleton is a dedicated advocate for community voice, education (SEN), and mental health reform. As the Founder and CEO of West Oxfordshire-based Synolos CIC, he has 22 years of experience in SEN teaching and business leadership.

Through Synolos, Barry’s organisation has directly supported over 600 young people, providing them with education, work skills, and mental health opportunities—a commitment that led to him being awarded Witney Citizen of the Year in 2017 for his outstanding work with young people.

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Barry is also the creator of The Voice of West Oxfordshire, a Facebook group designed to give local residents a space to discuss important community issues, share concerns, and engage in real conversations about the future of our area. He believes that true representation starts with listening—not just during election campaigns but all year round. Too often, consultations and meet-and-greets feel like a mere pretence of listening rather than a genuine partnership for progress. True representation is proven through action, not repeated claims of listening. It should be evident in decisions, transparency, and meaningful engagement—without the need for constant political advertising that "we are listening." Real leadership listens by default and acts with integrity, rather than using engagement as a publicity tool.

A 2024 independent candidate at the General Election, Barry prioritises political, educational, and NHS reform, ensuring local issues come before party politics. After living in Witney (2003-2019), he now calls Shilton Park home, continuing his grassroots mission to drive meaningful change for the community.

What Barry Stood For as an Independent Candidate at the 2024 General Election

Putting People Before Politics

I ran as an independent candidate for Witney and the surrounding towns and villages because I believe politics should serve the people, not political parties. Free from party constraints, my campaign was about listening to real concerns, crafting solutions for local challenges, and ensuring West Oxfordshire had a strong, independent voice in Westminster.

1. A Stronger NHS and Mental Health Support

Healthcare is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. I fought for:

More NHS appointments – Increasing access to GPs, NHS dentists, and mental health services.
A 50-year cross-party NHS plan – To stop healthcare from being used as a political football.
Better support for mental health – Prioritizing early intervention and understanding why mental health issues are rising.
Increased funding for social care – Ensuring dignity for the elderly and vulnerable.

2. Education That Works for Everyone

Our education system must prepare young people for real life. I pushed for:

A balanced curriculum – Equal focus on vocational and academic pathways.
More support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) students – Access to the right help at the right time.
Ofsted reforms – Making it an advisory body instead of a fear-driven rating system.
A 50-year education plan – To ensure consistency and stop constant political interference.

3. Cost of Living and Business Growth

People deserve financial security, and local businesses deserve real support. I stood for:

More funding for start-ups – Helping those who want to build businesses instead of forcing them into university.
Fairer business rates – To support small businesses, local shops, and markets.
A sustainable plan for job creation – Ensuring our post-Brexit and post-COVID economy grows.

4. Housing, Transport, and Infrastructure

Witney and the surrounding towns must grow responsibly and support the needs of local people. I campaigned for:

More affordable housing – Helping first-time buyers and increasing social housing availability.
Better public transport – Holding bus and rail services accountable and pushing for a joined-up national transport system.
Stronger infrastructure investment – Roads, schools, and healthcare facilities that keep up with population growth.

5. Environmental Action Without Burdening the Poor

Climate action must be practical, fair, and effective. I supported:

Stronger action against pollution – Holding industries accountable for river pollution levels.
Solar panels on all new builds – Making clean energy a default, not an option.
Balanced climate solutions – Encouraging green innovation without punishing low-income families with excessive costs.

6. Law and Justice: Putting Victims First

A justice system should protect people, not just manage criminals. I fought for:

Harsher sentences for violent crime – Particularly for domestic abuse, sexual offences, and repeat offenders.
Greater victim support – Ensuring those affected by crime receive proper care and mental health support.
Better rehabilitation for ex-offenders – But never at the expense of justice for victims.

7. Political Reform: Fixing a Broken System

Westminster politics is stuck in a 100-year loop of failure. I pushed for:

Ending party control over MPs – Stopping the whipping system that forces MPs to vote against their conscience.
Lobbying and party funding reforms – Reducing the power of corporations and wealthy donors in politics.
MPs to be paid fairly, not excessively – Tying MP pay rises to the lowest public sector increases.

8. Armed Forces and Emergency Services: Supporting Those Who Serve

Our heroes deserve more than just words. I campaigned for:

Better housing for service members – Ensuring our armed forces live in dignity and security.
Long-term mental health support for veterans – Preventing PTSD and homelessness.
More resources for police and emergency services – To keep our communities safe and supported.

Why I Ran as an Independent

Unlike party-affiliated MPs, I had no party leader to answer to, no corporate donors pulling strings, and no hidden agenda. My only loyalty was to you, the people of West Oxfordshire. I refused to follow the broken traditions of career politicians and instead promised:e've endured for 100 years. That’s why I stood as an independent.