Reginald Chester-Sterne is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for New Forest West. We spoke with Reginald about his decision to stand.
“I’ve owned several local businesses and still run 2 de-pasture pedigree English Longhorn cattle on the Forest”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Born in The New Forest and lived here all my life. I’ve owned several local businesses and still run 2 de-pasture pedigree English Longhorn cattle on the Forest. An Engineer by profession, I have worked overseas in 17 different countries managing large projects and diverse workforces.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
Alienated one too many times by the Conservatives. This country needs a change to honest politics and politicians that work for the country and its people, not themselves and their friends. I am willing to spend time and effort changing this country so it is a fit place to live again.
You’re the Spokesman for New Forest Westwhat’s made you decide to represent this area?
I’ve lived here all my life and running businesses here know the trials and tribulations faced by people. Committed to the area and its protection. Breadth and width of life experience can be brought to bear to solve the myriad problems we currently face.
“This country needs a change to honest politics and politicians that work for the country and its people”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
We have a multi layer multi agency management structure for the Forest that does not always work in tandem or in a joined up way. The spread of Southampton’s port could become a problem.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Catherine Becker is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Hampstead and Highgate. We spoke with Catherine about her decision to stand.
“I have become increasingly frustrated at the poor running of government both by Labour at the local and London-wide level and by Conservatives at national level”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I have a successful business background rather than being a career politician. However, I have become increasingly frustrated at the poor running of government both by Labour at the local and London-wide level and by Conservatives at national level. I saw Reform policies and the sensible and well thought through solutions to crime, the economy and across the board and was delighted that there was a credible alternative.
You’re the Spokesman for Hampstead and Highgate what’s made you decide to represent this area?
Hampstead and Highgate have the third worst crime in the whole of London. There are only 2 policeman per ward (who are on shifts and if on holiday/sick not replaced) and there is little funding or operational efficiency to support them. In addition, labour have been running the area for over 25 years and there has been a rise in wasted expenditure, poor amenities and pushing through irresponsible policies. I have real solutions and policies to turn this round without bankrupting the area.
“having more front line police is key, but it’s not just about funding (which Reform will increase by 28%) but also about creating a safe culture in which the police operate”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
a. Crime – is one of the biggest – having more front line police is key, but it’s not just about funding (which Reform will increase by 28%) but also about creating a safe culture in which the police operate. Many have left the force as a result, and having run a business I know about keeping a culture in our organisations so they thrive and stay.
b. Transport – The 20 miles an hour restriction is important near schools and small roads, but along the finchley road and other key main roads is too restrictive and can be more dangerous. The safer streets again is important but has been rushed through and in many cases means the elderly cannot get essential visits or deliveries and is certainly not making our streets cleaner.
c. Housing – we need more affordable housing, but without being rushed through by labour without the necessary increases in tubes, GPs, hospitals, schools and infrastructure. This needs to happen alongside which it currently is not.
“There should be proper tenders for all government expenditure not the chumocracy we have at present. And we want to make it better for workers and local business owners too by taxing less and delivering growth”
d. Economy – The expenditure and deficit in H&H is poorly handled by Labour, I am a business person and used to getting the best value out of our budgets. There should be proper tenders for all government expenditure not the chumocracy we have at present. And we want to make it better for workers and local business owners too by taxing less and delivering growth in the area.
e. Students and young people – many people think labour is the party for young people but our policies of not taxing the first £20k of income (as opposed to £12.5k now), no interest on student loans and better crime prevention and amenities show that Reform have the best policies to provide support.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Malcolm Cupis is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Melksham and Devizes. We spoke with Malcolm about his decision to stand.
“I grew up in Melksham and went to school at Aloeric Primary School and George Ward Comprehensive… and live in Keevil with my wife Caroline, two dogs and a cat.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I grew up in Melksham and went to school at Aloeric Primary School and George Ward Comprehensive before emigrating to South Africa with my family when I was 15 years old in 1983.
I returned to this country in 1989 and became Editor of the Melksham News and founder Editor of White Horse News in 1990. This was followed by a career in public relations which included living in London, the Middle East, and extended periods of time in various parts of Africa, and the Far East. I returned to this area in 2019 and live in Keevil with my wife Caroline, two dogs and a cat.
“The Party stands strongly for the classically liberal values of low taxation, personal responsibility, small government, empowered individualism”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I was an active member of the Conservative Party for 25 years before resigning last year. The farce over the leadership contest was absolutely the final straw for me. The Conservative Party has moved further and further away from core conservative values in the last 20 years and I no longer felt able to support it. It is absolutely clear to me that those values have been embraced by Reform UK.
The Party stands strongly for the classically liberal values of low taxation, personal responsibility, small government, empowered individualism, properly policed borders, free market economics, law and order and, above all, common sense. It is resistant to conformity, statism, bureaucracy and authoritarianism.
One of the biggest problems we have in politics now is that Parliament is chocked full of identikit career politicians who get parachuted into constituencies that they have no real affiliation to, having previously gone to the ‘right’ school and Oxbridge. They often have no real-life experience. They exist to impose centralised policies on their constituents, regardless of their opinions, needs and aspirations. I’ve done things the hard way. I haven’t been parachuted in from London or Cheshire with the financial support of a big political party.
“villages throughout the constituency, have seen largescale housebuilding in the last few years with little or no commensurate investment in associated infrastructure”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
My main areas of focus are:
1. Campaign for no more housebuilding without investment in infrastructure
Melksham and Devizes in particular, but also other town and villages throughout the constituency, have seen largescale housebuilding in the last few years with little or no commensurate investment in associated infrastructure.
By this I mean roads, schools, healthcare facilities, retail leisure facilities and dedicated commercial areas. The result of this has been that living standards have dropped markedly as pressure has increased on all these things.
I will campaign vigorously to not just bring the infrastructure up to an appropriate level for the housebuilding that has taken place, but also to insist that it must be further appropriately developed before future housebuilding takes place. No infrastructure – no more housebuilding.
2. We need our own hospital
This follows on closely from the first point. With the great increase in the number of people living in the area it is iniquitous that people in the West of the constituency are dependent on the Royal United Hospital in Bath and people in the East have to travel to either Swindon, Salisbury or Bath. We shouldn’t have to travel 25 miles in an emergency for life saving treatment, or for cancer treatment or to see other specialists for long term healthcare.
Bath in particular is now very difficult to get to quickly and cost effectively due to the transport policies of the Council there. All three hospitals have terrible backlogs for appointments and operate way beyond demand levels that they were designed for.
I will campaign that we should have our own hospital in the constituency, with increased capacity for General Practitioners and dentists operating alongside it.
3. Support our farmers
This remains very much a rural constituency with very many people employed directly or indirectly in agribusiness and food production. Our farmers are under terrible pressure with supermarkets forcing prices down to maximise their profits and buying food in from other countries where farmers are more heavily subsidised. As a result many farmers are going out of business or giving up fields for subsidised solar farms or housebuilding. We cannot be reliant on importing our food from other countries. We must ensure that we grow our own food. We must support our farmers.
“Rural people deserve equal law enforcement and I am committed to campaigning for more visibility and better service from the Police throughout the constituency”
4. Prioritise the needs of local people
All across the country migrants are being prioritised for housing and healthcare, even if they have travelled here illegally. This must stop. I want to make sure that local people have priority for housing and healthcare, especially homeless ex service men and women and I will fight to make this happen.
5. Combat rural crime
Police numbers have been greatly reduced and what officers we have are hampered by endless bureaucracy. As a result the majority of their focus is on urban centres, where the majority of crime takes place and it increasingly feels as if rural areas are overlooked and forgotten. Criminals are aware of this and can see rural areas as soft targets. Rural people deserve equal law enforcement and I am committed to campaigning for more visibility and better service from the Police throughout the constituency, not just in urban and suburban areas.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Peter Storms is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bournemouth West. We spoke with Peter about his decision to stand.
“I worked in the financial sector, manufacturing, marketing, and industrial training. During that time, I also served on various professional and charitable boards”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m a retired businessman who grew up in Rhodesia and South Africa and came to England over 22 years ago. I also served in the British South Africa Police (BSAP) in Rhodesia and the South African Army. In business I worked in the financial sector, manufacturing, marketing, and industrial training. During that time, I also served on various professional and charitable boards in Industrial Health, Alzheimer’s, Prostrate Cancer, Materials Handling, Occupational Safety and Chambers of Commerce.
“the United Kingdom is already a Socialist Totalitarian State. Just look at ULEZ, 20MPH restrictions, DEI policies, rampant labour unions, decimated Army, Navy and Airforce”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I got very angry. I voted for BREXIT and the Conservative Government deliberately failed to implement our decision. It is my firm belief that a Labour Government would do everything possible to drag our country back into the European Union. Between the Conservatives and Labour, they have dragged British politics so far to the left that the United Kingdom is already a Socialist Totalitarian State. Just look at ULEZ, 20MPH restrictions, DEI policies, rampant labour unions, decimated Army, Navy and Airforce, Critical Race Theory being taught in schools. Our country is so far left into socialism that the common-sense policies of Reform UK are perceived as “Far Right”.
“Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch were major family holiday destinations with over 8 miles of beautiful sandy beaches. Entire hotels have been taken over by illegal migrants thus reducing the holiday potential of the area”
You’re the Spokesman for Bournemouth West what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I have lived, with my family, in Bournemouth since 2022. This is my home and I will protect it.
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
A major problem is the large influx of foreign illegal migrants dumped into local hotels here by the government. Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch were major family holiday destinations with over 8 miles of beautiful sandy beaches. Entire hotels have been taken over by illegal migrants thus reducing the holiday potential of the area.
Another major problem is the LibDem led Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. They have already started implementing lunatic policies like 20MPH speed limits, property developments with inadequate on-site car parking and are now wanting to site a Gypsie/Traveller permanent site for 15 caravans in an unsafe location. The site itself was a railway coal dump for over 100 years and has not been, nor will it be rehabilitated.
A third concern I have is the three town centres, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, that constitute the BCP Council area are in a disgusting state. Bournemouth in particular, is in a disgusting state with shuttered shops and high crime. It offers nothing for tourists. Our beaches are beautiful but our central business districts are a disgrace.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Kabeer Kher is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Mid Norfolk. We spoke with Kabeer about his decision to stand.
“I was born in Northern Ireland where I grew up above the family pub. I went to University in Glasgow to study international business”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Kabeer Kher. I was born in Northern Ireland where I grew up above the family pub. I went to University in Glasgow to study international business. After graduating I worked for BT, ran a business for several years, followed by a career in financial services. I settled in Norfolk in 2015 where I live with my wife and 2 children.
“I decided to join Reform UK when our genius Prime Minister decided to ban UK Shale Gas in the middle of the worst energy crisis since 1973”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I decided to join Reform UK when our genius Prime Minister decided to ban UK Shale Gas in the middle of the worst energy crisis since 1973. I realised in that moment that the Conservative Party has absolutely no idea how to look after the interests of the people in this country. When I read the policies for Reform UK, I felt like I had found my people and that it was time for me to step forward and do something to change this country.
You’re the Spokesman for Mid Norfolk what’s made you decide to represent this area?
Mid-Norfolk is where I have lived for the last 9 years. My wife’s family are from here and my parents and siblings have since moved here with their family.
“The most pressing concern for Mid-Norfolk is flooding…. The government’s decision to stop dredging rivers is exacerbating the issue”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
The most pressing concern for Mid-Norfolk is flooding. My parents have been directly affected by the flooding in Attleborough in 2023 as a result of house building on flood plains. The government’s decision to stop dredging rivers is exacerbating the issue. I would like to see a ban on building houses on flood plains, and a part nationalisation of the water companies to end the profiteering at the expense of local people. I would also like to see much more investment in nuclear energy so we achieve energy self-sufficiency instead of wasting billions on wind farms and solar farms which only work intermittently and do not last anywhere near as long as nuclear power plants.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Anthony Mack is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Clacton. We spoke with Tony about his decision to stand.
“I worked as a black cabbie for several years before building up and owning a very small fleet of black cabs that I rented out to other drivers. At the age of 40 I decided to sell up and go on to fund my studies and become an integral psychotherapist”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Tony Mack. I am a Psychotherapist, a husband, father and a grandfather I now live in Clacton, although I grew up in the east end of London in Bethnal Green. Visiting and staying in caravans, Butlins and chalets etc in Clacton, Jaywick Sands, Walton on the Naze, Frinton, St Osyth’s and other wonderful places during summer holidays and weekends throughout my childhood.
After leaving school at 16 I did a few various jobs until my first child was born in my early 20s and I decided to do the knowledge of London to become a Black Cab Driver I completed the knowledge in a year and 2 days and became one of the youngest black cab drivers in London at the time of getting my badge at 23. It was then that I realised that far from being unintelligent as I was led to believe by my early schooling and the education system at the time, somewhat the opposite was true. I worked as a black cabbie for several years before building up and owning a very small fleet of black cabs that I rented out to other drivers. At the age of 40 I decided to sell up and go on to fund my studies and become an integral psychotherapist.
Psychology and politics have always been an interest of mine growing up working class with a relatively poor background and after my own battles with depression and addiction in my late 20s (I have been clean and sober myself for 25 years) I started working with others in the addiction field (as a volunteer) it was one of the motivators for me to move into the psychological field as a career.
After qualifying in 2010 and setting up my own private psychotherapy practice in London several years ago I have had a rich and rewarding career. I consider it a privilege to be able to make a difference in the quality of life for so many over the years and am proud of my achievements. I was lucky enough to realise a childhood dream of mine and own a house by the beach in Clacton several years ago. Upon witnessing the desperate provision for mental health and the rates of addiction and other mental struggles of the population in Clacton I decided to create Clacton coastal mental wellbeing C.I.C.
Which aims to improve the mental health of the Tendring area with immediate free access to psychological therapies and classes. My family, my clinical practice my charitable works and now my political endeavours mean my life is rich full and meaningful. I want my children and grandchildren to grow up with the opportunities I have had and that this great country and society of ours have given me.
“I now believe the Conservatives have broken Britain and Labour will destroy Britain. Every aspect of our country its institutions and our society are in complete chaos”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
As a Brexiteer and believing in the sovereignty and autonomy of Great Britain , it was a natural choice for me. I am a traditionally ‘small c’ Conservative, who believes in personal responsibility empowerment and growth.
I have become absolutely disillusioned with the state of our country and its successive governance over the last 30 years. This is to the extent that I now believe the Conservatives have broken Britain and Labour will destroy Britain. Every aspect of our country its institutions and our society are in complete chaos and at breaking point.
I believe Reform UK offer the only credible alternative to the incompetent Westminster bubble we call our parliament.
Only Reform offer a way to end the present decline in our culture, our public services, our standard of living and quality of life. Only Reform can save us from this ideological abyss we are facing. Only Reform can give our great country back its future. So my children’s children can grow up in a Great Britain that we all know and love. We face an existential threat as a nation and only Reform UK has the plan the courage and the will to make Britain Great again.
“I and my party will fight tooth and nail for every resident and every business in this great constituency. A representative who is accessible who understands the struggles that people face in their daily lives”
You’re the Spokesman for Clacton what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I am privileged to represent Clacton in fact it is the only area I wanted to stand in .Because I live here and love the place . Clacton to me still represents some of the greatest aspects of British society. People help each other communities are strong and conscientious we have some of the greatest beaches in Britain.
Clacton always has for me evoked what Britain is. Although not without its problems and problem areas it is still full of conscientious, hard-working, fair-minded, caring decent people. It literally still embodies all the wonderful things about growing up in our great country.
We are British and proud of it people care about each other it is a wonderful place that like every other area of Britain is in crisis.I want to stop the rot and make Clacton the great place it once was and should be. I feel it has been let down in both local and national representation over the last decade or more. Clacton needs a people’s champion, Clacton deserves one of its own to represent it in Westminster. I and my party will fight tooth and nail for every resident and every business in this great constituency. A representative who is accessible who understands the struggles that people face in their daily lives and is prepared to do whatever it takes to defend and improve our constituency and our way of life
“I want to end the endless waste of Tendring District Council, I want to make the basic services functionable again”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
There are many issues in Clacton as there are all over the country. But I want to bring zero tolerance policing to Clacton so everyone can go about their business peaceably. I want to improve the crumbling infrastructure, the roads and public transport. I want to end the endless waste of Tendring District Council, I want to make the basic services functionable again. Our rubbish, our transport, our roads, our small businesses, our town centre, our streets, all have room for improvement we need to get the basics right before we spend a single penny on any vanity or EDI projects. Make Clacton work again and clean it up.
Make sure Clacton’s services are fit for purpose, we have pockets of areas that have open drug dealing, rising crime, absent policing, poor medical provision, poor social services, and poor basic services. It has got to be changed.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Roger Clark is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Harrow East. We spoke with Roger about his decision to stand.
“My overarching feeling is that our politicians and most institutions of the state no longer represent us, are no longer fit for purpose”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Professionally I am an internal auditor. I have travelled a great deal. I find the world a fascinating place. I’ve been increasingly unhappy over many years that the UK has been declining on multiple levels. My overarching feeling is that our politicians and most institutions of the state no longer represent us, are no longer fit for purpose, are no longer good for us, indeed are betraying us by causing our decline.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
The world suffers excess population growth greatly increasing likelihood of conflict, poverty, energy and food insecurity, and famine. All are now beginning to occur in Britain. Many millions of people want to come to the UK. The UK needs to stabilise its population at 64 million (already excessive) by protecting its borders and reduce net entry to zero. It is failing to do this, on the contrary the UK government granted 1.2 million visas last year. The Tory government needs to be dismissed.
“The major parties won’t reform very much, and they don’t know how to do it and they lack the courage to do it”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
There is rapidly growing pressure on all resources: schools, NHS, dentists, GP’s, housing, roads, open green space, policing (because of increasing crime), to name a few. These pressures are mainly caused by excess population growth. Britain needs major reforms urgently. The major parties won’t reform very much, and they don’t know how to do it and they lack the courage to do it. The national issue I hope to champion personally is quite different – reform of the House of Lords which is a dysfunctional, overblown, costly, and ineffective outdated entity.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
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 swathes 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 to 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 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.
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?
