A man from Bushey has opened up on feeling "left behind" after the lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis decimated his business.
Stephen Liddell, 49, was forced to sell his car to save money after his livelihood as a self-employed tour guide in London disappeared during the pandemic.
He says he has been unable to access support despite business still not picking up, and feels alienated by politicians including Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, who he claims has ignored him.
He said: “During lockdown I didn’t get any monetary support. I wasn’t allowed to work but I wasn’t even getting unemployment benefit.
“I’ve managed to get some tours again but I’m currently at half capacity.
“A lot of the customers are people coming from abroad, people from other parts of the country don’t generally want walking tours, and people book their holidays so far in advance. It will probably only be back to normal in the coming years.”
Stephen used to barely have a day off work before lockdown, but now his next tour will not be until February 4.
At his lowest points, the 49-year-old was unable to heat his home, saying he had “no heat and no hope”, even struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Stephen’s financial position is still precarious, having sold his car last week.
“I just couldn’t afford to keep it,” he said.
“I’m thinking of moving away. I don’t feel wanted or respected. I’m still doing my walking tours in London but I’m not earning enough.”
Stephen said he has tried for years to meet with Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, who was also culture minister in 2020 and 2021.
He said he couldn’t believe the government that is supposed to represent him wouldn’t communicate or help after his livelihood fell through the cracks for support.
Mr Dowden did not respond to a request for comment.
The Bushey resident, who also lived in Leavesden for a period, added that many of the people he takes on tours, which includes foreign government officials, are also shocked at his situation.
“It is ironic that my job is to sell Britain to people but when I needed help, they went out of their way not to do it," he said. "I’m just so fed up."
Samaritans can be contacted for free 24/7 by calling 116123. More details can be found on its website.
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