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Amy Gallagher, SDP Candidate Mayor of London – On Croydon

South Londoner Amy Gallagher is the SDP candidate for Mayor of London. Keen to that our next mayor represents all of London not just Zones 1 and 2 we asked Amy about our town and borough, Croydon.

“When I think of Croydon I think of the tram and the lively events and vibrancy”

What’s been your involvement with Croydon over the years and what are your memories of the borough?

I’ve been working as a mental health nurse in South London. The team I was working with would cover several boroughs and Croydon was one of them. I would often work in Croydon A&E and visit patients in the community. When I think of Croydon I think of the tram and the lively events and vibrancy.

The town centre has become very run down in recent years with the loss of much nightlife and many shops. As Mayor of London how would you address these issues?

I would end business rates for small businesses in order to help local high streets. I would also create a clean environment with beautiful architecture and add more green space.

“I also want to crackdown on anti-social behaviour and crime by improving the police force… prioritizing knowledge of the law and civil liberties”

Nothing improves streetscape and the public realm more surely than mature trees. I would allocate £25m to street tree-planting. I also want to crackdown on anti-social behaviour and crime by improving the police force. I will reinforce the highest standards of duty, personal probity, and conduct at all times, on and off-duty, prioritizing knowledge of the law and civil liberties, and increase the powers of the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) to increase the trust of Londoners in our police force and hold them to account.

“I will establish a community volunteer network database where citizens can offer their skills for certain community support services (civic improvement, education, help for the aged, NHS, construction, environment, tourism guidance)”

From Crystal Palace and Norbury in the north to Coulsdon in the south, like London, Croydon’s localities differ greater. How would you see the Mayor of London’s office serving all of Croydon and indeed all of London?

I will rank London boroughs in terms of crime and publish a full and frank analysis of the kinds of crimes committed in specific boroughs and the profile of convicted criminals. Police will be fully supported in acting proactively within the law to prevent crime.

I plan to mobilise the vast energies and each boroughs’ citizens in the service of the community. I will establish a community volunteer network database where citizens can offer their skills for certain community support services (civic improvement, education, help for the aged, NHS, construction, environment, tourism guidance), and the GLA will fund a team of five to manage the program in each of the London boroughs (Budget cost: £22m)

“Box Park! There is such such a great atmosphere there and great food!”

Off politics… Captain Sensible, Kirsty MacColl, Gabrielle, Des’ree, Stormzy, and now 6 Brit winner Raye just some of the talented singers from the Borough. Who’s your favourite Croydon lyricists?

Des’ree! I didn’t know she was from Croydon. I used to sing her songs when I was little. She was great!

Are you more likely to be found wandering Farthing Down or in Box Park?

Box Park! There is such such a great atmosphere there and great food!

How can people find out more or get involved?

Check out the SDP (Social Democratic Party website), Join us at SDP London and vote for us!

https://sdp.org.uk/2023/12/18/amy-gallagher-announced-as-sdp-candidate-for-london-mayor/

Our manifesto for London will be published soon!

You can also find me on X/Twitter at @StandUptoWoke.

Martin Evison, SDP Candidate for Newcastle upon Tyne East & Wallsend

Martin Evison is the SDP prospective candidate for Newcastle upon Tyne East & Wallsend.  We spoke with Martin about his decision to stand.

“I am still active in writing and research, and volunteer as an English teacher for a charity working in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa, which helps build schools and promote education”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m retired – more-or-less – after a 40-year career in science and technology. A Shropshire lad, I first came to Newcastle in 1979, moving back for a second time in 2010—having studied and worked in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada in the intervening years. My career gave me experience of both the public and private sectors, and a return to the academic world led to work in the life sciences and forensics. I am still active in writing and research, and volunteer as an English teacher for a charity working in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa, which helps build schools and promote education.

“My motivation for involvement in politics is the chronic failure of the political system to respond to the reasonable expectations of the public”

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

My motivation for involvement in politics is the chronic failure of the political system to respond to the reasonable expectations of the public, and the pressing need to pass on to future generations those core values of British culture and community for which preceding generations sacrificed so much. The SDP is the only political party that genuinely represents these values.

You’re the Spokesman for Newcastle upon Tyne East & Wallsend what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I have lived in the Newcastle East since about 2010 and I am hoping to contest the redrawn Newcastle East in the next general election. I stood in the South Jesmond Ward of the existing Newcastle East in the local government elections in 2021 and 2023.

“People are not interested in futile NetZero and Diversity schemes. They want resources devoted to a better health service and care system”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

The big concerns are much the same as they are in many constituencies. The cost of living is too high and there is a lack of affordable quality accommodation for the less well off. State-sector housing is particularly neglected. People are not interested in futile NetZero and Diversity schemes. They want resources devoted to a better health service and care system and want to see an end to open borders immigration and people trafficking.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

Please email [email protected] and follow @SDPNorthEast on X.

Beverley England, Reform UK candidate for South Suffolk

Beverley England is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for South Suffolk.  We spoke with Beverley about her decision to stand.

“I am a Brexiteer and like many, am furious that it has been ‘done’ in name only . . . what a waste of an 80 seat majority”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I moved to South Suffolk last year and I think it is important to live in the area you are to represent.  I enjoy the countryside, walking every day with my dog and the move gave me an opportunity to refurbish a neglected barn. My business, in commercial and high spec residential interior design, has been running now for over 30 years and clients have included the Houses of Parliament . . . remember that wallpaper at £200 per roll? – now there’s a story I can tell you!

My political interest increased over Brexit. I am a Brexiteer and like many, am furious that it has been ‘done’ in name only . . . what a waste of an 80 seat majority.

“The most worrying thing about the 2 main parties/uni party is that they will both implement Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and Reform UK are against this. It is critical that everyone opposes this – once introduced, it is the end of our freedom”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

Reform UK have all the policies which are common sense and which I believe in – conservatism with a small ‘c’ as Ben Habib says.  We desperately need an honest and transparent political party to represent the people and not greedy corporates with more of their ‘public/private partnerships’ – translated: fleece the taxpayer more and then more again. The most worrying thing about the 2 main parties/uni party is that they will both implement Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and Reform UK are against this. It is critical that everyone opposes this – once introduced, it is the end of our freedom.  A state-controlled money token, which can also be time limited so the people on benefits can never have savings and it is my suspicion that Universal basic income (UBI) will be the first thing paid via CBDC.  Already in the EU, it is illegal to spend in cash more than E1,000 – according to Christine Lagarde you are then ‘in the grey zone’ and you will be fined or jailed . . . this is all the social credit score system like in China – communism via the back door.  

“Sudbury council literally experimenting with people’s livelihoods by running a 2 month ‘experiment’ (their word) in the centre of Sudbury to create an outside cafe culture, taking away parking”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

A big concern for South Suffolk is the proposed pylon infrastructure across the county – 92% of the power is required for London and the South East, so it should be run off shore NOT across swatches of countryside.  Of course, this is all part of the ‘climate change’ and Agenda 2030 nonsense, which Reform UK are opposed to – we want an open debate on climate change as there are no peer reviewed papers proving that humans are causing an increase in CO2 emissions and in any case it is a greening gas not a pollutant . . . everyone has forgotten that we learnt about photosynthesis at school – I am old enough to remember but possibly it is not taught now as it does not fit the agenda.  

There are other more regional concerns, such as Sudbury council literally experimenting with people’s livelihoods by running a 2 month ‘experiment’ (their word) in the centre of Sudbury to create an outside cafe culture, taking away parking and pedestrianising most of Market Hill.  This will directly impact the footfall for existing established business with escalating costs amidst a recession . . . all too sell a few cups of tea in the sunshine . . . should we ever see it.  Commercial incompetence at its height – I wonder how many councillors have run their own business?

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

Help is needed! We have a team of 22 now for leaflet distribution but we need a lot more.  I can be contacted via email: [email protected], and can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Sponsorship for printing costs would be great – this is now adding up to quite a substantial sum, so if there are a couple of businesses out there who like our policies, please do donate to printing costs.

Timothy Blaxill, Reform UK candidate for Witham

Timothy Blaxill is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Witham in Essex.  We spoke with Timothy about his decision to stand.

“I believe the masses are waking up to the lack lustre leaders, who seem to be more focused on their own gains, rather than putting the nation at the heart of their decisions”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m a family man, local to the area and an active part of the local community. This is my 1st General Election, after standing for local elections on behalf of Reform.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK

I stand for common sense: Reform UK is our only serious contender, which can make Britain great again. 

My strap line message is “if it doesn’t make sense, it needs reform”. – I feel this message can be applied to all areas of politics from both local to national and even international perspectives.

I believe in working for the masses and I believe the masses are waking up to the lack lustre leaders, who seem to be more focused on their own gains, rather than putting the nation at the heart of their decisions.

Reform has policies which make sense, use simple language and simply just speak common sense.

“I want the local community to actively engage in politics for a better outcome for all. We need people voting with their feet (and a few to help spread the message!)”

You’re the Spokesman for Witham what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I live and work in Witham and am raising my family here.

I firmly believe it’s vitally important to have a principled and moral individual who is known and respected in the local area in representation of Witham.
I want the local community to actively engage in politics for a better outcome for all. We need people voting with their feet (and a few to help spread the message!)

It’s time the Government remembered they work for you first as a voter before the Business Sector.

“Why didn’t the police attend when I reported a burglary?
Why is it cheaper to fly to Italy, eat a pizza and drink a nice cool beer, than it is to get a return ticket into London on the train?”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

I’m here to champion whatever issues my constituents feel are important. From the small issues to the larger ones – they all need to be reformed.

For example –

  • when did you last get a chance to see your GP face-to-face?
  • Last time you saw a policeman on the beat?

Along with issues our local community have felt -such as;

  • Why didn’t the police attend when I reported a burglary?
  • Why is it cheaper to fly to Italy, eat a pizza and drink a nice cool beer, than it is to get a return ticket into London on the train?
  • Where does my road tax go? When all I see around the county are potholes I could swim in.
  • Why is the price of everything skyrocketing?
  • Why is V.A.T added to purchases that are of a necessity such as sanitary products? And necessary commodities such as fuel and utilities?

The whole system is skewed toward the elitist few. However, there are only a few elites and there are millions of people just like you and me. If we can unite as one voice, we can not only win but prosper.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

I can be contacted via email at [email protected], and found on Facebook, and Twitter / X.  You can find all my details on the Reform website. There you will find the details for my Perspective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC). You will note, unlike other potential MPs, my full contact details including my mobile number are available publicly. I’m not sure most MPs could say the same…

Politics is about the greater good for all, I desperately need help in spreading the word and gaining traction to turn into votes. We need people to spread the word and vote with their feet. No change will come if we don’t vote for change. A vote for Reform would not be a wasted vote, that’s simple propaganda peddled by the worried red and blue.

Sebastian Moore, SDP Candidate for Manchester Central

Sebastian Moore is the SDP prospective candidate for Manchester Central.  We spoke with Sebastian about his decision to stand.

“A party that is serious about fixing the broken political system. A party that recognises that a nation is built on family and community and that the upper limit of democracy is the nation state”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I grew up in Dorset as the youngest of five children. I’m grateful to my parents that we always ate dinner around the kitchen table and they encouraged talk of politics, religion, and anything else. When I left school, I became an English teacher and lived in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Maldives. After a friend and I spent some time making YouTube videos around Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, we finally accepted that we should start living an adult life and moved to Manchester. I have lived here a few years now and I work as a maths tutor as well as getting involved in various things in the local community.

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

Our current era is one of polarisation. If you support the renationalisation of the railways, people think you must be a Corbynite. If you’re proud of the country, you’re deemed conservative. When I came across the reemergent Social Democratic Party, I was amazed. Here’s a party that is both pro-market and pro-public sector. A party that is serious about fixing the broken political system. A party that recognises that a nation is built on family and community and that the upper limit of democracy is the nation state. I realised that for the first time in my life, I wanted to become a member of a political party. They didn’t yet have a candidate for Manchester Central, so I put my name forward and I was delighted that they accepted me. I’m going to tell myself that I fought off stiff competition for the nomination.

“Manchester has become my home. As a city, it is special. Where the industrial revolution took off. The first canal, the first railway. It is international but also local”


You’re the Spokesman for Manchester Central what’s made you decide to represent this area?

When I moved back to the UK, I came to Manchester with all my belongings and no house or job. The first few months were cold and dark, both metaphorically and literally. It turns out that finding either a house or job is no easy task nowadays. I was fortunate that it worked out in the end and in the years since, Manchester has become my home. As a city, it is special. Where the industrial revolution took off. The first canal, the first railway. It is international but also local. I find it hard to walk through town without bumping into someone I know. Our voting system means that the city is often neglected by politics. The Labour party is adamant that it will win the constituency. And so are the other parties. This means that the voters are taken for granted. I want to offer them a real choice. I am standing in Manchester Central because it is my home and I am ready to fight for it.

“For too long, the main parties have been allowed to control the agenda and maintain the status quo while the nation slowly decays”


What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

We face many of the same issues as the rest of the country. Some, like the housing crisis, are felt even more strongly in this area than elsewhere. During the last academic year, Manchester universities paid students to live in other parts of the country because there was not enough accommodation here. Our system currently operates on policies that are in opposition to each other. This is because the establishment parties have no vision. As I cycle around the city bouncing in and out of potholes, I am reminded of the state of things. While the poor condition of the roads is a problem in itself, it is a symptom of deeper fractures. For too long, the main parties have been allowed to control the agenda and maintain the status quo while the nation slowly decays. As the representative of Manchester Central, I will go to Westminster and make the people’s voice heard. It’s time for our politics to be shaken up.


For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign

There is a role for anyone willing to help with the campaign. From delivering leaflets, to canvassing, or even strategizing.  If you want to help create a society which cares for its citizens, where you know your neighbours, and whose communities thrive, come and join us. This is your call up. It’s time to get on the pitch.

My email address is [email protected]. I live in Castlefield. Drop me a message and I’ll put the kettle on.

You can find out more about the SDP at https://sdp.org.uk/.

John Dowdle, Reform UK candidate for St Albans

John Dowdle is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for St Albans.  We spoke with John about his decision to stand.

“it became obvious to me that no main British political party was really committed to honouring the mandate they had been given in 2016 to leave the EU”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I have lived in Watford – which is next door to St Albans – since 1993. In 1995, I was elected as a Labour candidate to serve as a Councillor on Watford Council, where I held a number of positions including Chair of the Grants Committee and Vice-Chair of the Development Control Committee – the council planning committee. In 1999, I stood down as a councillor to spend more time with my wife, who died in 2001 at the age of just 49 years.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I was a member of the Labour Party for many years but decided to terminate my membership of the party in 2019, when the general election result was known. As someone committed to the concept of democracy, it became obvious to me that no main British political party was really committed to honouring the mandate they had been given in 2016 to leave the EU.

Promises made by Tories like Boris Johnson to “Get Brexit Done” were never seriously meant. As a democrat, I decided to join the one true party which was committed to honouring the mandate of the people of Britain – Reform UK. So, after looking at their policies in-depth, I decided to join them.

“I believe the residents of St Albans have been messed around by local amateur politicians over many years”

You’re the Spokesman for St Albans. What made you decide to represent this area?

I answered Reform UK’s call to get the party established in St Albans. It is the parliamentary constituency next to where I live in Watford. Over many years, I have had dealings with individuals and groups in the St Albans area and would be honoured to represent the residents of St Albans in Westminster.

I believe the residents of St Albans have been messed around by local amateur politicians over many years and have been very badly let down by the local representatives of the Lib/Lab/Con parties.

One priority – if I am elected to Westminster – will be to get more involved in local healthcare and social care matters on behalf of all St Albans citizens.

“I believe there should be second and third chances for people to be able to retrain and gain new skills, knowledge and understanding in new subject areas”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

I left school in 1960 at the age of 15 years without a single qualification and went straight out to work.  During the second half of the decade, I was fortunate enough to be able to access further education opportunities (day-release and evening classes) to gain vocational qualifications: Ordinary National Certificate in Business Studies; Higher National Certificate in Business Studies; and Diploma of the Institute of Purchasing and Supply, which meant I could places the initials M. Inst. P. S. (Dip.) after my name.

In the 1980s – as a mature student – I completed one year of a Higher National Diploma in Computer Studies, and then went on to gain a BA Honours degree in Government and Politics, as well as an MA in Government and Politics, and a Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory Education).

These qualifications supported my work role as an FE College Lecturer in Politics and Business Studies in Harrow.  I also worked as a GCE Advanced Level Examiner in Politics for the University of London Board. 

I mention these facts because I believe there should be second and third chances for people to be able to retrain and gain new skills, knowledge and understanding in new subject areas which benefit them and the wider society. 

If elected to Westminster to represent the Electors of St Albans, I will work hard to ensure that the very best school, college and university education opportunities are made available to all St Albans residents.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign? 

I can be contacted by email via [email protected]  

I have a Facebook page which can be seen at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1782261298942115

People wishing to join Reform UK can do so at: https://www.reformparty.uk/become-a-member

A copy of Reform UK’s working draft document “Our Contract With You” is at: https://assets.nationbuilder.com/reformuk/pages/253/attachments/original/1708781032/Reform_UK_Contract_With_The_People.pdf?1708781032

Raj Forhad, Reform UK candidate for Ilford South

Raj Forhad is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Ilford South.  We spoke with Raj about his decision to stand.

“I spent all of my money to complete my MSc at the University of Central Lancashire. When I left Preston, Lancashire with a £1 Mega bus ticket ride in 2011, I only had £5 in my pocket”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

From a very early age, I have always had the great dream and vision to work for the people and to be their voice wherever I live.

I have been married to Shahana for over 12 years and we have two children – Zayan and Arash.

As a highly skilled legal migrant, I had gone through a tough, roller coaster journey. I have been respecting the laws and contributing high taxes in the UK.

I spent all of my money to complete my MSc at the University of Central Lancashire. When I left Preston, Lancashire with a £1 Mega bus ticket ride in 2011, I only had £5 in my pocket.

I always have great dedication and an innovative mindset to do something better for my life and the community. I have been been endorsed as an Exceptional Talent by Tech Nation, UK (https://technation.io/ ) because of my significant contribution to the UK Digital Sector, after competing thousands high profiles with many years of working experiences in IT including many PhD holders from the top universities around the world in UK’s Exceptional Talent competition, probably I am the first and last Bangladeshi Exceptional Talent, and through Tier 1 Exceptional Talent and High Skilled migrant routes I became a British citizen.

Now, I have been working as an Enterprise Architect Consultant for Tier 1 banks in the UK. I also run a few small businesses.

I have been in politics from the age of nine in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and campaigned, joined marches and road shows for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

I stood as a Councillor Candidate at Chadwell ward, Redbridge from the Conservatives party in May, 2022 local election.

Social and Political Activities

“Current politics by Conservatives, Labour, LibDem are not fit for the people and the country. They have run out of ideas”


What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

The Britain I used to know has broken – broken in many sectors by both Conservatives and Labour parties.

Current politics by Conservatives, Labour, LibDem are not fit for the people and the country. They have run out of ideas, lack the determination to get the UK back on track and work for the working class people.

The immense challenges are ahead and except Reform UK, no other party has any Common Sense solutions to “Make Britain Great Again”!

I want to reshape and reform the UK, and get it back on track.

Rishi Sunak and all other Conservative PMs for the last 13 years have shown poor leadership. Recently, they have failed to work on the mandate given by the general people in 2019 and in previous general elections. Their policies and laws have brought devastating impacts on hard working people, businesses.

You’re the Spokesman for Ilford South what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I am standing as an Prospective Parliamentary Candidate at Ilford South Constituency in Redbridge with Reform UK on behalf of the residents because like many of you I am frustrated, worried, tremendously concern about the current situations in Ilford South, Redbridge as:

  • inflation is super high,
  • mortgage rates are hitting the hard working people,
  • ULEZ introduction is hitting many of you,
  • crimes are in high rates,
  • residents safety is at critical conditions,
  • women going out on roads day or night – do not feel safe any more,
  • anti-social behaviours are in rocket-high,
  • small businesses are suffering,
  • people are struggling with GP and hospital appointments,
  • green spaces in Ilford South, Redbridge are vanishing month by month,
  • parents are not getting proper support and education for their children,
  • roads are dirty, full of potholes,
  • young generations are not getting the right jobs nor getting paid enough with their gained degrees or experiences,
  • and many other local issues

“Being a working class person and working on various community issues for many years, I understand people and their issues, and challenges”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

I strongly believe Ilford South constituency residents deserve a modern, beautiful and lawful constituency under a strong, visionary MP’s leadership. I will work day and night to solve your issues if I am elected by your valuable mandates at the next General Election.

My main pledges are to

  • Scrap ULEZ, ditch LTNs and 20mph zones
  • Cut crimes on knife, anti-social behavior, women’s safety and others
  • Invest more to build affordable housing
  • Invest more to support local businesses
  • Invest more and provide better public services applying modern technology (AI) driven solutions to have efficient policing, NHS GP and hospital appointments and other services
  • Invest more to support the most vulnerable residents in Redbridge
  • Bring policies and strategies to provide more jobs with higher salary for the young generations and their hard working families
  • Invest and build world class university in Redbridge
  • Invest and build more grammar schools for both boys and girls
  • Upgrade schools from Good to Outstanding
  • Invest more to protect green spaces
  • Invest to provide free mobile gyms for young generation and financially insolvent residents
  • Invest to provide free mobile learning hubs for the residents

Being a working class person and working on various community issues for many years, I understand people and their issues, and challenges. I will ensure Ilford South residents’ voices are being heard at Westminster. 

I will be working day and night with your issues. You will always get an appropriate answer on your issues over email or call within an hour.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

You can find out more about Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/.  You can email me at [email protected] and follow me on Facebook at Reform UK Ilford South and Twitter at https://twitter.com/rajmasudforhad.

Jane Duckworth, Reform UK candidate for Milton Keynes North

Jane Duckworth is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Milton Keynes North.  We spoke with Jane about her decision to stand.

“I have local knowledge of businesses and the community gives me confidence that I’m a good candidate for the area”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Jane Duckworth 56 years of age have 2 daughters 1 grandson. I have lived in Milton Keynes most of my life as a Dairy Farmer’s wife & Business Owner.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

The opportunity arose for me to stand in Milton Keynes north as I have lived and farmed there for many years. I have local knowledge of businesses and the community gives me confidence that I’m a good candidate for the area.

“most of the decisions made by government have impacted on my businesses. This has given me an insight into political decision making – or lack of it”

You’re the Spokesman for Milton Keynes North what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I have always had an interest in politics as most of the decisions made by government have impacted on my businesses. This has given me an insight into political decision making – or lack of it – which I’ve become more and more concerned about the elderly in the communities since working for a local care company. It saddens me to see the way they are being treated with utter contempt by our serving politicians, along with the general withdrawal of our local services all for every increasing taxes.

“Bus routes taken out of service, tv licences stopped. We are creating an isolated and lonely existence for our aging population”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

Due to lack of local funding services such as the The Warm space or The Coffee meets for our elderly have been closing. Bus routes taken out of service, tv licences stopped. We are creating an isolated and lonely existence for our aging population. Homeless in Milton Keynes is getting worse our charities are at breaking point. Food banks have become a necessity for families to survive. How is this permitted to happen in the 21 Century. A slow erosion of our services!

We must change this.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

I am greatly appreciative of any help and should anyone wish to be involved I can be contacted either by email or through Facebook links below:-

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/jane.duckworth22

Dave Holland, Reform UK candidate for Mid Bedfordshire

We interviewed Dave Holland when he stood for Reform UK in the recent Mid Bedfordshire by-election.  We spoke with Dave as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the general election.

“From the moment that Nadine Dorries first resigned (without technically resigning) we hit the ground and in total campaigned daily for 4 and a 1/2 months!”

You stood in the 2023 Byelection in Mid Bedfordshire what surprised you most about standing and what did you learn from it?

The Mid Bedfordshire by-election was unusual because campaigning went on for so long. From the moment that Nadine Dorries first resigned (without technically resigning) we hit the ground and in total campaigned daily for 4 and a 1/2 months! By the time the election was actually called we were all running on empty and talking to the other candidates they were similarly exhausted. It was a trial of endurance.

As a Party much has changed for Reform UK in the 4 months since Mid Bedfordshire. Our two party system makes it incredibly hard for new entrants to break through but we believed from the 40,000 doors we knocked that we had more support than we ended up actually achieving. The last week of the campaign saw our competitors move up through the gears and we struggled to be able to compete with them. They spent the last week phoning their voters to garner their support and this ate into our base. 

We don’t have the data to be able to compete, nor the manpower and resources. We are growing rapidly and building data as we go.

I discovered that in many instances on the doorstep, people will tell you how they feel and indicate that they will vote for you, but that that doesn’t always materialise at the ballot box.

We also struggled for column inches in the main stream press. In time we will overcome this handicap, but it is a significant deficit for us.

“I am standing because when the Tories left me I had no one to vote for. Someone has to stand up for another way, a better way”

For those that don’t know you, can you introduce yourself and Reform UK as a party.

Reform UK are a broadly Centre Right Party, with small c conservative policies and beliefs, wrapped up in compassion for the lowest paid in society. We don’t really relate to the old left / right political definitions of parties. We are more the party of common sense, drawing from both sides of the spectrum with policies that will improve the standard of living for everyone. We believe in low tax, fiscal responsibility, secure borders and a strong military. 

I never intended to be a politician. I am standing because when the Tories left me I had no one to vote for. Someone has to stand up for another way, a better way. So I threw my hat in the ring and here I am. Standing up for ordinary, hard working people who have been at the back of the queue in the UK for too long.

“Mid Bedfordshire has seen more than its share of new housing in the last decade, but without any infrastructure services to support all those new residents”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

Mid Bedfordshire is geographically quite large, but rural. We have two towns and many villages and hamlets. We no longer have a single bank branch in Mid Bedfordshire. The constituency is also struggling with a lack of GPs and dentists. Our roads are a disgrace with pot holes everywhere. Bedford and Luton dominate our police resources so we very rarely see any police except for driving up and down the A6 between the two.

Mid Bedfordshire has seen more than its share of new housing in the last decade, but without any infrastructure services to support all those new residents. This results in the standard of living dropping for existing residents as they struggle for school places, operations, GP appointments, dental appointments etc. 

People in Mid Bedfordshire feel helpless, that their living standards have dropped and no one seems to care.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?  (if available please include Facebook, Twitter, email etc)

We are always happy to see volunteers eager to help us. You can find out more and get in touch via either www.dave-holland.co.uk or my Reform UK page https://www.reformparty.uk/mid-bedfordshire-constituency.  You can also find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reformukmidbedfordshire/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/midbedsreformuk.

India: A democracy rising.

By Mike Swadling

“the world’s largest democracy and country, India is going to the ballot box”

With a 20 mile stretch of golden sand, a shallow continental shelf allowing you to walk far into the Arabian Sea, a dry heat and beach bars every few hundred yards my spot in Goa wasn’t a place to be thinking about politics.  

However, go about a mile inland and flags, boards and posters start to pop up for the Aam Aadmi Party, the Revolutionary Goans Party, Congress, a selection of BJP candidates, and even graffiti about the Portuguese (Goa used to be a Portuguese colony).  As well as a likely general election in the UK and the Presidential election in the US, the world’s largest democracy and country, India is going to the ballot box.

No signs of revolution on the beach as long as the Peoples Lager kept flowing.

“The Indian National Congress is the traditional party of power in India having held the position of Prime Minister for 54 of the 77 years since independence”

The election is dominated by two main groups the BJP led ‘National Democratic Alliance’ and Congress led ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’.  The Indian National Congress is the traditional party of power in India having held the position of Prime Minister for 54 of the 77 years since independence.  The Bharatiya Janata Party (Indian People’s Party) was formed in 1980 and is the current party of power being led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Whilst no Pakistani PM has ever completed a full-term, India has had many peaceful transitions of power.  Not that India has been devoid from political violence, far from it.  But this is a nation of 780 spoken languages (23 official), from four major language families, with 1.4 billion people, and 5 religions with over 8 million followers, it is amazing India functions as a democracy at all.  For all its challenges function it does.

Not often you see anti-Portuguese graffiti.

I turned to Nimit Shishodia to explain some of the main differences between the main party’s:

BJP

  • Right-wing ideology: Aligned with Hindutva, a Hindu nationalist ideology, emphasizing cultural nationalism and a strong central government.
  • Economic focus: Leans towards privatization and economic liberalization, attracting support from sections of the middle class and business community.
  • Social positions: Often takes conservative stances on social issues, appealing to traditional values and rural communities.

Congress

  • Centre-left ideology: Advocates for secularism and social welfare programs, historically drawing support from diverse groups, including minorities and lower-income populations.
  • Economic approach: Promotes a mixed economy with government intervention in key sectors, appealing to working-class voters and some sections of the middle class.
  • Social positions: Generally, takes more progressive stances on social issues, aligning with urban and younger demographics.

Important Caveats:

  • Both parties have diverse internal factions with varying viewpoints.
  • Their policies and stances evolve over time and in response to political realities.
  • There’s significant overlap in their voter bases, with both parties drawing support from various social and economic groups.

Nimit’s last point that “There’s significant overlap in their voter bases, with both parties drawing support from various social and economic groups” is perhaps the most significant.  Functioning democracies require people to be able to change who they are voting for, not just vote based on identity.

“Modi is widely expected to win again”

The election will take place between April and May to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) each coalition has 20+ party’s.  The country has 8 recognised national parties, 55 state parties, and 2,597 unrecognised parties.  It’s fair to say everyone has a point of view.  Modi is widely expected to win again.  I wrote briefly about a debate at the Battle of Ideas on Indian Politics, giving lots of background in an easily digestible way, you can listen to it at: Understanding Modi’s India – Battle of Ideas.

“I want the 5th biggest economy, and most populous country to be democratic and free”

“the people of India benefit from that basic enabler of liberty the ability to ‘kick the buggers out’”

Why does all this matter?  Democracy’s support and advance human freedom, something we should all want.  Democracies promote general economic growth and their citizens wellbeing, and democracies don’t tend to ever go to war with each other.  In a world reverting to a more multi polar state, quite apart from the benefits to its own people, I want the 5th biggest economy, and most populous country to be democratic and free.

We should all be thankful this massive country and significant power is a democracy and the people of India benefit from that basic enabler of liberty the ability to ‘kick the buggers out’ when the party of power no longer meets the people’s needs.