Month: January 2024

Lesley Crosby, Reform UK candidate for Bakewell

Former US Speaker Tip O’Neill is credited with the quote ‘All politics is local’.  Local elections matter and are all about the issue that impact peoples’ everyday lives.  Lesley Crosby is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Bakewell in a by-election for the Derbyshire Dales District Council.  We spoke with Lesley about her decision to stand.

“I intent to highlight all the disproportionate disadvantages Bakewell’s residents are expected to accept due to our location and a lack of the healthy competition our urban neighbours enjoy”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m a 59-year-old mum and grandmother. I am also a relative newcomer to the area, but I see this as a positive as I can view Bakewell through fresh eyes.

I am disabled, so naturally concerns about the wellbeing of our communities’ vulnerable residents are firmly in my sights. I intent to highlight all the disproportionate disadvantages Bakewell’s residents are expected to accept due to our location and a lack of the healthy competition our urban neighbours enjoy. There is not one member of our community that isn’t a loser to premium fuel costs and high prices in our shops. I will ensure that our families, the disabled and elderly will not feel hunger, cold or experience isolation.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I believe we need Reform, we need new solutions to old problems and we need a voice that isn’t held back by council chamber domination and party whips.

“We can make sure, for a start, that debris blocking local drains and culverts is regularly removed. I will be suggesting an autumn programme of regular road clearance”

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

Flooding is a big issue for our community, and alongside a crumbling road network, causes regular misery in town. While Bakewell is built right on the river Wye and we cannot completely resolve the cause of flooding, we can be far better prepared for inevitable rainfall when it comes. We can make sure, for a start, that debris blocking local drains and culverts is regularly removed. I will be suggesting an autumn programme of regular road clearance. We can also look at how reaches of the river Wye above and below the town are managed and consult with landowners and local authorities to ensure that fallen trees and other debris are cleared away to assist easy flow. Although this is little more than good housekeeping, it’s clearly not happening or not happening often enough.

“I’m also deeply worried by the banking crisis that has brought Bakewell to the attention of the entire country, due to the imminent closure of our NatWest, their last bank in the Peak District”

I’m also deeply worried by the banking crisis that has brought Bakewell to the attention of the entire country, due to the imminent closure of our NatWest, their last bank in the Peak District. This should have been an issue for our MP to get seriously involved with at the earliest intimation of closure, and I cannot help wondering why things have been allowed to progress without either her deliberate intervention or sourcing an alternative provider of vital banking services.

I’m eager to keep the heat on rural issues and get Bakewell into the limelight. Bakewell is a national icon, an important agricultural, cultural and tourist hub, and we must not allow ourselves to be forgotten.

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

You can find out more about Reform at https://www.reformparty.uk/.  You can find me on Facebook, and contact me by email at [email protected].

Mayuran Senthilnathan, Reform UK candidate for Runnymede and Weybridge

Mayuran Senthilnathan is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Runnymede and Weybridge.  We spoke with Mayuran about his decision to stand.

“Above all I am passionate patriot who wishes to serve this country and the people of Runnymede and Weybridge”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Mayuran Senthilnathan, and I have lived in Virginia Water for the past 12 years. I am a 41-year-old family man whose primary vocation is as a general dentist and clinical practice owner. As well as having a keen interest in news and current affairs, I have a keen interest in philosophy and comparative religion. I have travelled extensively giving lectures on these topics and have authored two books. Above all I am passionate patriot who wishes to serve this country and the people of Runnymede and Weybridge.

“The Conservative government have failed us. They have no vision, no soul and no conviction. We can no longer vote for them as the least worst option”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I believe Britain is on a cliff edge in so many ways. Unless we are able to get back to the fundamental principles of centre right politics, we could fast be exiting the developed world. At so many levels the country appears to be broken from NHS waiting lists, to housing shortages, to net zero extremism, woke ideology and unbridled immigration; this country appears to have lost its way. The Conservative government have failed us. They have no vision, no soul and no conviction. We can no longer vote for them as the least worst option, the public and the people of Runnymede and Weybridge need to have the opportunity to cast their vote for policies they actually believe in. 

Reform UK is the only party offering a radically different manifesto which in the current climate appears revolutionary, but in actual fact is just common sense. We offer practical policies that the vast majority of this country would immediately subscribe to. The six point plan to stop illegal migration, an end to the net zero madness that is suffocating our economy, an introduction of a net zero immigration policy where we can stop the huge increase in our population, deregulation, raising tax thresholds to free up income for the lowest paid, an end to diversity quotas and other woke ideological impositions; are just some of the obvious implementations the country is yearning for. 

“if I can shine a light on what this area and indeed the country desperately needs then together, we can make real progress”

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

Fundamentally it is where I have lived since 2011. My children go to school in this constituency, I know it well and it is where I wish to plant my flag. If I can win hearts and minds here, if I can shine a light on what this area and indeed the country desperately needs then together, we can make real progress.

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

For those who would like to help me and the Reform Party spread the word they can email me at [email protected].

Allan MacMillan, SDP candidate for North Ayrshire and Arran

Allan MacMillan is the SDP prospective candidate for North Ayrshire and Arran.  We spoke with Allan about his decision to stand.

“Scottish voters deserve the chance to vote for a party with real values and morals”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My names Allan MacMillan, I’m 34 and I stay in North Ayrshire. I’m a single parent and previously served in the Scots Guards for five years. I enjoy anything football related and have managed amateur teams in the past, I also enjoy spending time with friends and family and being outdoors. I’m studying on the side too.

What made you stand for the SDP?

As a former Labour voter, there’s no party that I would trust with my vote. We live in a country where elected members of parliament think it’s acceptable to take a drag queen called “Flowjob” to a primary school. Scottish voters deserve the chance to vote for a party with real values and morals, I don’t believe this nonsense is representative of the people. I’m sure given time and hard work the SDP can grow in Scotland and in the remainder of the UK.

“I’m proud to be British as well as Scottish and I know a lot of people in my constituency are too”

You’re the spokesman for North Ayrshire and Arran, what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I’m proud to be British as well as Scottish and I know a lot of people in my constituency are too. We need a strong alternative to the SNP, Tories and Labour that has fresh policy ideas and supports our union of nations. The SDP offers voters this chance.

“Our communities are struggling in and in need of change. Simply put, people deserve better”

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

My constituency is one of the most deprived in Scotland. I live in Saltcoats and it was the most deprived area of North Ayrshire and 26th in Scotland only a couple of years ago. Child poverty is a big concern. For example, I have a supermarket out the back of my home and I see people regularly going through the bins. It’s tragic. We have a drug issue around drug misuse and a conversation needs to be had in regards to benzodiazepines and possible links to free prescriptions, making these drugs more accessible and acting as a gateway to other more illicit drugs. The social and economic issues we are facing is also contributing to a massive rise in suicides within my constituency over the past few years, it feels like every week or so I hear of another attempt or death. Our communities are struggling in and in need of change. Simply put, people deserve better.

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

You can find out more about the SDP at https://sdp.org.uk/.  You can also get in touch by email at [email protected], on my social media @AllanMac_SDP or join the party and get involved more directly. We’re keen for people to get involved!

Mark Peart, Reform UK candidate for Blyth & Ashington

Mark Peart is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Blyth & Ashington.  Mark writes about why he is standing.

“We offer a viable alternative to the main parties, with a central aim of putting the country and the population on a stable and manageable programme of growth”

I am the spokesperson for Reform UK in the newly created constituency of Blyth and Ashington.

Reform UK is a fully fledged political party with strong leadership and an ambitious list of common sense policies. We offer a viable alternative to the main parties, with a central aim of putting the country and the population on a stable and manageable programme of growth.

As an independent country, we are faced with many challenges. Here are three which I believe are particularly concerning to the people of Blyth and Ashington.

“By raising the tax threshold from £12,500 to £20,000, this would take six million people on the lowest pay out of Income Tax altogether”

Cost of living. It is clear to us at Reform UK, that high taxes are particularly damaging to those trying to make ends meet on low incomes. By raising the tax threshold from £12,500 to £20,000, this would take six million people on the lowest pay out of Income Tax altogether. We believe this would be a compassionate and sensible move towards making work pay.

Public Services – NHS We currently have over seven million people sitting on NHS waiting lists, unable to speedily access necessary treatment. Reform UK has a practical and sensible plan to ease the strain on the NHS by delivering much needed medical care in a timely and compassionate manner. We believe it’s time to be ambitious and innovative. We would aim for zero waiting lists. By putting patients in control of their own treatment, waiting lists would be eradicated. . Of course, healthcare must always remain free at the point of delivery. However, if unable to get a GP appointment within three days, you would be given a voucher to see a private doctor. If no NHS consultant is available to see you within three weeks, you would receive a voucher to access private healthcare. If your operation is not available from the NHS within nine weeks from your initial assessment, once again, you would be given a voucher to go private.

“police walking the streets and engaging with communities, is a highly effective way to combat violence, robbery and petty vandalism”

Public Services – Crime There are high levels of crime and antisocial behaviour in Blyth and Ashington. Reform UK would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of illegal activity and vandalism. This would be achieved at the ground level, by introducing more police on the streets. Although fast response police in cars are important, a visual presence helps to prevent crime and leads to the detection and conviction of criminals. It has been proven that police walking the streets and engaging with communities, is a highly effective way to combat violence, robbery and petty vandalism, while generating a positive atmosphere in the community.

You can follow Mark on Twitter and find him on Facebook. 

There is more information on the Reform site at https://www.reformparty.uk/blyth-and-ashington-constituency and he can be contacted at [email protected].

Steve Gardner, SDP candidate for Uxbridge & South Ruislip

Steve Gardner is the SDP prospective candidate for Uxbridge & South Ruislip.  At the time we interviewed him for our Podcast, and afterwards about his experiences.  Now we speak with Steve about his decision to stand again.

“The only way that we can facilitate positive change is to get involved and do something about it.  I’ve fought a few campaigns for the SDP and I’m looking forward to fighting a few more!”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our new readers?

My name is Steve Gardner and i’m the Parliamentary Prospective Candidate for the Social Democratic Party in Uxbridge & South Ruislip.

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

I hadn’t really found the party that I agreed with until I was signposted to the SDP on social media around 4 years ago. Like most people of a particular age, I hadn’t realised that they were still going and after having read their policies, I agreed with the majority of them, so I took the plunge and joined. I would say my politics are more centre right, but I like the fact the SDP also look to the left economically. The party and I share a lot of the same values and they’re the only common-sense party out there. The only way that we can facilitate positive change is to get involved and do something about it.  I’ve fought a few campaigns for the SDP and I’m looking forward to fighting a few more!

“Listening to the constituents is critical! I live in the constituency I’m standing in, as do my family and friends so I have a really good understanding of what the local issues are”

You stood in Uxbridge and South Ruislip in the recent by-election.  What do you take from that into the General Election campaign?

Listening to the constituents is critical! I live in the constituency I’m standing in, as do my family and friends so I have a really good understanding of what the local issues are. The job of a Politician is to be the mouthpiece for the people in Parliament; they are your boss. It’s as simple as that. Regardless of what your vision for the area is, number one on the agenda should be what the constituents want, regardless of what you or the party you represent want.

“The biggest concerns are ULEZ, the cost of living and community safety. Hopefully, the current Mayor of London will be ousted by our candidate, Amy Gallagher”

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

The biggest concerns are ULEZ, the cost of living and community safety. Hopefully, the current Mayor of London will be ousted by our candidate, Amy Gallagher, who will scrap this ridiculous stealth tax. As an MP though, more pressure should be put on the Mayor to address this. The cost of living is ludicrous and more needs to be done by those in office to help those struggling, especially in the winter months where people have a decision to heat or eat. It’s disgusting that the UK should be in this situation. Additionally, I want our communities to feel safe again. The Police need to be backed by our Politicians to actually do their jobs properly, without fear or favour. It’s evident that there is a two-tier Policing system in place and this needs to stop. The law of this country is the law and no-one should be above that.

I’d also like to add, for those who are unsure, that a woman is an adult female that has the capability to give birth, has a uterus, a womb and XX chromosomes. I get asked this question a lot but to me, the answer is obvious.

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

I have a social media presence on Twitter (X) – @SGardnerSDP, Facebook – Steve Gardner Social Democratic Party (@SDPNWLondon) or you can check out what the SDP stands for on our website, sdp.org.uk.

Alternatively, I can be contacted on my email address [email protected].

February Discussion: “Is it time to reintroduce National Service”

Join us on Wednesday 21st February for our drinks and discussion on the topic: “Is it time to reintroduce National Service”.

Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, the head of the British Army, has said people must be prepared to support the armed forces by participating in a war if called upon to do so.

General Sir Richard Sherriff, ex-deputy supreme allied commander of NATO says It’s time to ‘think the unthinkable’ and consider introducing conscription.

Grant Shapps the Secretary of State for Defence said the world is “moving from a post-war to pre-war world” and urged for the UK to ensure its “entire defence ecosystem is ready” to defend its homeland, but Minister of State for the Armed Forces, James Heappey said of conscription “Nobody has ever mentioned it, nobody is even thinking about it. CGS didn’t say it. It is all nonsense.”

We also hear the Royal Navy can’t get enough sailors for our ships.

What do you think?  Is it time to reintroduce National Service?  Come along Wednesday 21st February at 7pm for our discussion.

We want your input come along with your ideas and thoughts. 

This is part of our #ThirdWednesday drinks and events, we hold these in association with Dick Delingpole’s #ThirdWednesday Libertarian drinks club, and POLITICS in PUBS a group of people from across the political spectrum who value the freedom to question and to speak openly.

Join us Upstairs, Whispers, 5 High St, Purley CR8 2AF on Wednesday 21st February, from 7pm.

Facebook: https://fb.me/e/61ijUDZXf

You can read a write up of our event at Is it time to reintroduce National Service? – POLITICS in PUBS

Nigel Jacklin Independent candidate for Bexhill and Battle

Nigel Jacklin is a member of the Independent Network and an Independent Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bexhill and Battle.  We spoke with Nigel about his decision to stand.

“They took our laptops, computers, evidence bundles and a Met Police Professional Standards Complaint response.  They returned it 14 months later saying no action would be taken against us; no apology”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers? 

I am a market researcher and statistician.  My job is to help organisations take the right decisions and to make sure people are correctly represented.  Like many people I’ve had enough of the mainstream political parties.   We just need elected representatives who represent people.

I also think there is a more general problem exemplified by the way my wife and I have been treated by the Sussex Police.  In 2020 we had a raid on our house on the basis of false allegations made by a cop.  They took our laptops, computers, evidence bundles and a Met Police Professional Standards Complaint response.  They returned it 14 months later saying no action would be taken against us; no apology.  This was the ninth time we’d been investigated with no action being taken against us.  We reported three incidents last year.  Rather than investigate the people we reported, the Sussex Police investigated us.  Two of the investigations are about things we’ve already been investigated for.  We’re waiting for a decision by the CPS.  A fellow member of the Royal Statistical Society Law and Policing Group confirmed…whilst the police do make mistakes…so many mistakes is unlikely to be down to coincidence.

“As the name implies it’s a network of Independent Local Councillors and Candidates across the UK”

What made you decide to stand for the Independent Network?

I joined the Independent Network back in 2021.  As the name implies it’s a network of Independent Local Councillors and Candidates across the UK.  The group promotes the ‘Bell Principles,’ named after Martin Bell, the journalist who became an Independent MP in 1997.  The Bell Principles go beyond the seven Nolan principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability,  openness, honesty, and leadership adding, amongst other things, being free from the control of any political party, pressure group or whip.  The Independent Network was set up in February 2016 and registered with a very public launch meeting in Westminster, attended by Martin Bell, following which the Bell Principles were adopted.

https://independentnetwork.org.uk/our-principles

The group helps at a practical (rather than a policy) level and includes Councillors who are in the leadership groups of several local Councils.  A number of members have stood in general elections before.  I expect others will announce their intention to do so in the coming months. 

“We’ve worked extensively as the No To Northeye campaign group, liaising with other sites such as Scampton and Wethersfield.  It’s clear that there are limits to the number of asylum seekers who can be accommodated safely in one site”

You’re standing in Bexhill and Battle; what’s made you decide to represent this area?

We’ve lived here for 30 years.  Like the other Independent candidates, I’m in touch with, we all live where we’re standing and have done so for some time.

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

Most people I speak to have had enough of the Westminster parties.  They want someone who’ll represent them and speak up for local people.  We are in a ‘safe’ Tory seat, so I could be in with a chance.

“We need a shift in emphasis which gives more respect to skills, trades and ordinary jobs rather than an over-reliance on paper-based qualifications”

The big local issue is the proposal to use a site in Northeye, West Bexhill, as a secure detention centre for illegal arrivals.  There is widespread concern about this.  We’ve worked extensively as the No To Northeye campaign group, liaising with other sites such as Scampton and Wethersfield.  It’s clear that there are limits to the number of asylum seekers who can be accommodated safely in one site without fights, disorder or fires.  This number is probably somewhere between 250 and 500.  This may mean more sites are needed and so my national ‘ask’ if for the Home Office to actually talk to local residents when they turn hotels into asylum seeker hostels, set limits on the size of camps and put 15% of the money spent actually in to the local community.

It’s also pretty clear that we need a different approach to education, skills and employment.  We need a shift in emphasis which gives more respect to skills, trades and ordinary jobs rather than an over-reliance on paper-based qualifications.  Ask any farmer about this and they’ll give you an earful on DEFRA and government officials.

As you may know, Bexhill is by the sea and Battle is in the High Weald (an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).  We need to do more to promote ‘visiting friends and relatives’ (VFR) and day trip tourism.  We’re down the M23 or A22 and then east…or the A21. A nice day out from South London.  If we promote ‘VFR’ we can ‘tick’ the environmental box whilst helping people to have a good time at events like the Bexhill 100 Car Show!

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

I have a personal Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nigel.jacklin.71 and a twitter account @TheGoodStatsMan.  People can email [email protected] (this is the group we set up to encourage people to get involved with local decision making).  I am also developing at site on YouTube.

It would be great to hear from anyone willing to help with leafleting or standing in the street with me!  We are also about to start some work funded by the Local Government Association encouraging people to become a Councillor.

Steve Chilcott, Reform UK candidate for Ealing, Southall

Steve Chilcott is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Ealing, Southall.  We spoke with Steve about his decision to stand.

“I class myself as a classical liberal and believe the old lens of Right vs Left is often now irrelevant”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Steve Chilcott, I’m 54, separated with one teenage son who spends half the week with me! I have lived in London for 24 years, for the last 13 years in Southall. Previously I lived on the South coast, in Portsmouth and grew up near Southampton. I studied Biology at the University of Bath and then a post graduate diploma in Human Resources at the University of Portsmouth. My political past has been mixed, supporting the Lib Dems in Bath during the times of the Poll tax, and Labour in the mid 1990s. I class myself as a classical liberal and believe the old lens of Right vs Left is often now irrelevant. I was a strong supporter of Brexit, supporting UKIP, then the Brexit Party and now, am a proud supporter and member of Reform UK. I am also a very strong advocate for free speech and have occasionally appeared on GB News discussing the matter. It pains me that both Brexit and free speech can be maligned as Right wing issues, when I firmly believe neither are!

“So much in our once great country is broken, institutions such as the BBC, NHS and Civil Service which were once rightly venerated, are now part of the problem”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

Our current first past the post system of democracy has resulted in the Labour and Conservative parties gaining a combined 80% plus of all votes in our elections for many years. The two are now indistinguishable, neither now represent their historic voter base but represent a narrow middle class political elite. Trust and confidence is at a low and the levels of faith in our politicians is at risk of causing more harm. So much in our once great country is broken, institutions such as the BBC, NHS and Civil Service which were once rightly venerated, are now part of the problem. Reform are the only party with truly sensible, pragmatic and common sense policies. I want to be part of the way forward, and Reform provide me with a sense of optimism for the future.

“Our current Labour MP is unfortunately both invisible and silent. His pals in the Labour Party run Ealing Council do little to help stagnation in the area”

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

Having lived in Southall for over 13 years, I see how the area has changed for the worse. It has become run down, dirty, with increasing crime. Our current Labour MP is unfortunately both invisible and silent. His pals in the Labour Party run Ealing Council do little to help stagnation in the area. The area is crying out for someone who speaks for and represents everyone across the constituency, and is proactively working hard for the benefit of everyone. We need to put Southall back on the map, a place all its residents are proud of and which attracts people to visit as a go to place, the Brick Lane of West London!

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

Holding the Labour run Ealing Council to account, working proactively with the police to address the increasing levels of crime, campaigning to keep all of Warren Farm as a beautiful nature reserve, resolving the ongoing problem of pollution in certain areas, ensuring levels of residential development are matched with infrastructure development and working hard for the huge range of small and large businesses across the constituency.

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

You can also find out more about Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/ and contact me at [email protected] or follow me on X (twitter) @OfSouthall.

Ian Price, Reform UK candidate for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

Ian Price is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner.  We spoke with Ian about his decision to stand.

“I first chose to stand for Reform UK because it was the only party objecting to the lockdown during the pandemic”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Ian Price, a business psychologist. Married with one grown-up son.  I also write for the Daily Sceptic with my articles listed at https://dailysceptic.org/author/ian-price/.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I had not been active in politics before but first stood for Reform UK in the 2021 London Assembly elections and again in the Local Elections of 2022. I first chose to stand for Reform UK because it was the only party objecting to the lockdown during the pandemic. I continue to stand for the party because I strongly support its policies, particularly on the economy, policing, net zero and immigration.

“This constituency is on the Greater London boundary and so has been very adversely impacted by the ULEZ expansion. People’s freedoms have been impinged”

You’re the Spokesman for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I’ve lived here for 25 years and am active in the community.

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

This constituency is on the Greater London boundary and so has been very adversely impacted by the ULEZ expansion. People’s freedoms have been impinged and they have been made poorer unnecessarily.

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

I can be followed on X (Twitter) at https://twitter.com/IPricePsychAuth, and contacted by email at [email protected].

You can also find out more about Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/ and read my Substack at https://ianprice.substack.com/.

Sandra Daniells, Reform UK candidate for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton

Sandra Daniells is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.  We spoke with Sandra about her decision to stand.

“after reading the Reform Manifesto, I realised that they were an excellent fit for me. They prioritise common sense policies that put people first”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Sandra Daniells, a businesswoman, former nurse and care home owner from Bognor Regis. I recently joined Reform, a political party that I firmly believe aligns with my values and vision for the future, so much so that I have become the Reform spokesperson for the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Constituency.

What motivated you to join Reform?

I felt politically homeless for a while, as someone who had been a lifelong Conservative voter and member. But after reading the Reform Manifesto, I realised that they were an excellent fit for me. They prioritise common sense policies that put people first, and I believe that’s exactly what we need right now.

You’ve expressed concerns about the volume of illegal migrants entering the country. Can you elaborate on that?

Yes, I think it’s a huge problem that’s not being properly addressed. These people are taking enormous risks to enter the country, often in dangerous conditions, and it’s a tragedy that so many of them are losing their lives in the process. But it’s also a matter of national security. We need to have control over who enters the country and ensure that those who do are properly screened and vetted.

“We need to focus on practical solutions that reduce our carbon footprint without sacrificing economic growth and wellbeing”

You’re also sceptical of the Net Zero initiative. Why is that?

I think it’s a noble goal, but the way it’s being pursued is misguided. It’s diverting resources away from core services like healthcare and education, and it’s going to make us net poorer in the long run. We need to focus on practical solutions that reduce our carbon footprint without sacrificing economic growth and wellbeing.

Can you tell us about some of the challenges facing your constituency?

It’s a mixed bag, with some areas that are very affluent and others that have high levels of poverty and low life expectancy. We’ve also had issues with house-building and severe flooding in recent years, which have affected many residents and businesses, and there’s been a lot of inward immigration from Eastern Europe, which has presented challenges in terms of housing, jobs, and school places locally.

What’s one issue that’s particularly important to you?

The sewage being discharged regularly into the sea by Southern Water. It’s a major problem that’s having a devastating effect on our seaside tourism and beach-focused economy, as well as on local people who enjoy the sea. We need to hold Southern Water accountable and find a solution to this issue as soon as possible.

“We’ve also had issues with house-building and severe flooding in recent years, which have affected many residents and businesses”

How can people get involved in your campaign?

They can contact me on Facebook at ‘Sandra Daniells for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton‘, on ‘X’ (Twitter) at @reformsussex, via email, at [email protected] or by phone 07779 0291030. I’m always happy to hear from constituents and anyone who’s interested in learning more about Reform and my campaign.

You can also find out more about Reform at https://www.reformparty.uk/.

What’s your vision for the future of your constituency and the country as a whole?

I want to bring common sense back to politics and prioritise policies that benefit all people, not just a privileged few. We need to address the challenges facing our communities, invest in core services, and create a sustainable future that works for everyone. And I firmly believe that Reform is the party to make that happen.