For Dan Aldridge, Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare, Weston isn’t just where he lives—it’s a place that truly shaped him.
Arriving as a teenager when his father’s job brought the family to Sand Bay, Dan’s early years were grounded in the community. “We started out living in a caravan,” he recalls. “The buses were unreliable, and nights out often ended with long walks along the Toll Road.” Life was simple, but it was theirs. Student days were spent waiting tables and stacking shelves, with just enough money left over for a night at Time, Sands, or Hobbits clubs.
He stayed connected to Weston throughout his studies, working at Homebase and his mother’s café, spending countless hours on the town’s windswept beaches. Even after leaving for university, Weston was his sanctuary. “It was my safe place,” he says. “It was home.”
Returning to Weston permanently, Dan’s commitment extends beyond nostalgia—it’s rooted in belief. “Weston has something special,” he asserts, while acknowledging the challenges, including young people feeling compelled to leave and the pressing need for improved local services.
Since taking office as MP, Dan has focused on real, visible improvements. He’s campaigned for better water quality at Weston, Sand Bay, and Uphill beaches, taken part in local litter picks (which he finds surprisingly therapeutic), and partnered with police and community teams to combat antisocial behaviour.
Public health remains a top priority. Alarmed by the statistic that 37% of five-year-olds in Weston suffer from tooth decay—a rate significantly above the national average—Dan has advocated for increased dental resources and school-based educational programs to combat this issue.
He also highlights advances in GP access, with technology innovations reducing wait times and ushering in more appointment availability. Yet his focus extends beyond access to addressing deeper health concerns, including men’s mental health and women’s healthcare needs.
Among his campaign goals is a practical improvement: installing lift access at Weston train station. “It’s about ensuring inclusion,” Dan explains. “Whether someone uses a wheelchair, has SEND needs, or requires additional support, everyone deserves equal access to opportunities.”
Dan recognizes a lingering mistrust in communities worn down by years of red tape but insists real, consistent change is crucial for rebuilding that trust.
He is particularly passionate about creating a stronger future for young people. Last year, he launched Weston’s inaugural Summer School at the Grand Pier, where students connect with leaders in technology and creative sectors. “I want to redefine what it means to be an MP,” Dan affirms. “I’m here not to make empty promises but to deliver.”
His vision also embraces economic renewal. Dan has engaged with small business owners, supported local hospitality, and championed further investment in creative industries, which play a vital role culturally and economically for Weston’s future.
For Dan, this work transcends politics. “Weston doesn’t need a rebrand,” he declares. “It needs champions ready to defend our corner of England passionately and unwaveringly.” While some perpetually criticize the town, Dan refuses to join the chorus.
“I’ve always loved Weston,” he reflects. “Now, I have the privilege of fighting for it in ways I never imagined.”
Though challenges remain, Dan’s message to the people of Weston is clear: the future is bright, but it will take all of us to make it a reality.