Month: February 2026

Neville Watson, Christian People’s Alliance London Mayoral Prospective Candidate.

The next London Mayoral elections may be in 2028, but parties are already lining up their candidates.  We spoke with long term friend of the Croydon Constitutionalists Neville Watson, the newly announced Christian People’s Alliance London Mayoral Prospective Candidate.

“We are rooted in the historic Christian faith. We seek through political service, to demonstrate God’s love. Our faith and principles are drawn from the Bible”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and for those that don’t know about it introduce the Christian People’s Alliance?

I am a devoted family man, embracing the roles of husband, father, and grandfather with joy and deep pride.

As an educator, behaviour and intervention specialist working extensively with young people diagnosed either SEN or SEMH.  I am dedicated to creating pathways for success and well-being and raising their levels of expectation.

My commitment to societal growth is evident in my volunteer work as a community mentor, where I partner with families to navigate life’s challenges.

I stand for pragmatic politics, balancing idealism with realism, and recognising the merit in diverse perspectives. I am an advocate for integrity in political service, believing that true representation intertwines the interests of leaders with those of their constituents.

I sincerely believe our community’s strength is measured by the support we offer our most vulnerable members. With over four decades of advocacy, I remain steadfast in my mission to amplify the voices of the unheard, ensuring that every resident can be seen and heard.

The Christian People’s Alliance (CPA) is a Christian Evangelical, Democratic political party, whose members come from all backgrounds and church traditions. We actively promote Christian social teaching and draw our principles from the Bible, especially the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.

We are rooted in the historic Christian faith. We seek through political service, to demonstrate God’s love. Our faith and principles are drawn from the Bible, especially the life and teaching of Jesus, as well as from Christian political insights through the centuries.

Our major Statement of Values. The Mayflower Declaration:

We were founded in 2000 by leading members of the non-party Movement for Christian Democracy, which in turn was formed in 1991 by a group of cross-party Christian Members of Parliament. The CPA has adopted the same principles and social vision, summarised as the Six Principles of Christian Democracy. These are, Active Compassion, Respect for Life, Social Justice, Wise Stewardship, Empowerment, and Reconciliation.

We believe that Jesus centred Christianity gives a vision for the whole of politics through principles, policies, peace-making, economic policy, and ethics. The Bible as God’s revelation, including Jesus’ words and life, are our central guide. We see his death and resurrection as the central human event, bringing peace with God, and true spiritual insight and social concern. We want to live within God’s love and forgiveness, rather than remain within the old patterns of human failure in life and in politics.

We in the CPA know there is one eternal God the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob revealed fully in Jesus Christ.

We know Jesus entered history over 2,000 years ago, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a life of truth, love, and justice. His life is our standard. His teachings are our guide.

We know all have sinned, but through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are forgiven, healed, and restored. By His blood, we are made new.

We know He is returning to make all things right.

We are a movement of hope, rooted in grace, committed to righteousness, and driven by love. We seek to bring Christ’s light into every part of society politics, family, education, and community.

“Every child from conception to natural death carries divine purpose and dignity. A just society protects the vulnerable, honours the unborn, and upholds the sanctity of life”

You have been announced as the CPA’s prospective candidate for Mayor of London. What are your main policies and areas of focus?

The Five-Fold Pillars & Policies of the Christian Peoples Alliance:

1) MARRIAGE: The Covenant That Builds Society

Biblical Theme: God establishes marriage as the first institution, the foundation of family, community, and generational blessing.

Scripture: “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

Interpretation for Public Life: Marriage between male and female is not merely a private arrangement; it is a divine covenant that shapes the wellbeing of children, stabilises communities, and strengthens the moral fabric of society. When marriage flourishes, society flourishes.

2) LIFE: The Sacred Worth of Every Human Being

Biblical Theme: Human life is God‑breathed, God‑designed, and God‑owned from the very beginning to the very end.

Scripture: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart.”  Jeremiah 1:5

Interpretation for Public Life: Every child from conception to natural death carries divine purpose and dignity. A just society protects the vulnerable, honours the unborn, and upholds the sanctity of life as a non‑negotiable moral foundation

3) PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS: Standing With the Suffering Church

Biblical Theme: When one part of the Body suffers, the whole Body is called to respond with solidarity, advocacy, and prayer.

Scripture: “Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”  Hebrews 13:3

Interpretation for Public Life: Christians across the world face imprisonment, violence, and discrimination for their faith. A righteous nation does not turn away but uses its voice, diplomacy, and influence to defend freedom of belief and stand with the persecuted.

4) POVERTY: God’s Heart for Justice and Provision

Biblical Theme: God commands His people to care for the poor, challenge unjust systems, and ensure that no one is left behind.

Scripture: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.”  Proverbs 31:8–9

Interpretation for Public Life: Poverty is not just a lack of money; it is often the result of broken structures, inequality, and neglect. A godly society confronts the root causes of poverty and builds pathways to dignity, opportunity, and flourishing.

5) CRIME: Addressing the Roots, Not Just the Symptoms.

Biblical Theme:  Justice is restorative, not merely punitive; righteousness and peace grow where truth and fairness are upheld.

Scripture: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”  Isaiah 1:17

Interpretation for Public Life: Crime is often born from broken homes, hopelessness, poverty, and lack of opportunity. True justice addresses these root causes while upholding accountability, rehabilitation, and community.

Together, these five pillars declare:

  • Marriage strengthens families.  Life honours God’s image in every person.  
  • Persecuted Christians remind us that freedom of faith is a universal right.  
  • Poverty must be confronted with justice and compassion. 
  • Crime must be addressed at the roots to restore communities.
  • This is not just a political platform it is a moral vision rooted in Scripture, shaped by compassion, and aimed at the flourishing of every person in society.

A FEW OF OUR POLICIES:

Taxation:  Introducing a turnover tax and cutting unnecessary government spending

Housing: Providing night shelters and free meals for the homeless

Healthcare: Restoring GP fundholding to improve the NHS.

“To all our teachers & support staff: As your Mayor, as your ambassador, and as your ally, I will fight for you.  You will have me in your corner every single day.”

Sir Sadiq Khan has been Mayor of London for almost 10 years now, how would a Mayor Watson’s administration differ from Mayor Khan’s?

I have two messages:

To the young people of Croydon and beyond and to Teachers and support staff.

To our young: You are growing up in a world that tells you to look perfect, succeed quickly, and never show weakness. But real life doesn’t work like that. Real life is full of attempts, setbacks, lessons, and fresh starts. And that’s not something to hide. That’s something to embrace.

I stand before you as someone who has tried, failed, and tried again. In politics, in leadership, in life I’ve known disappointment. But I’ve also learned something powerful:  

  • I would rather try and fail than fail to try.  
  • Because the weight of regret is far heavier than the weight of failure.
  • You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be courageous.
  • Every time you try again, you grow.  
  • Every time you get back up, you rise stronger.  
  • Every time you refuse to quit, you shape your future.
  • So don’t let fear stop you.  
  • Don’t let failure define you.  
  • Don’t let critics distract you.
  • The world needs your ideas, your energy, your creativity, your voice.  
  • The world needs young people who are willing to step into the arena.
  • So, dream boldly.  
  • Start before you feel ready.  
  • And if you fall, rise again.
  • Your story is still being written, and the best chapters are ahead.

To all our teachers & support staff: As your Mayor, as your ambassador, and as your ally, I will fight for you.  You will have me in your corner every single day.

I know your struggle.  I also know your strength.  I feel your frustration, yet I recognise your unwavering commitment to our children.  

We have lost too many gifted educators some have left the profession entirely; others have moved abroad in search of the respect and support they deserve. And just as I have pledged to confront the SEND tsunami with urgency, compassion, and structural reform, I make this parallel promise to you: we have your back.

Your wellbeing is not a luxury. It is the foundation of a functioning education system.  

So, I will use the full prestige and convening power of this office to negotiate preferential rates and discounts for the services you rely on gym memberships, restaurants, wellbeing services, holiday companies, airlines, and more. If it improves your quality of life, we will pursue it.

But this is only the beginning.

We will use every lever available to rebuild respect for the profession, restore dignity to the classroom, and create an environment where teachers can teach and SEND children can thrive. Because solving the SEND crisis is impossible without supporting the people who carry that burden every day.

This is my promise.  This is my commitment.  This is the standard by which I invite you to judge my tenure: the measurable difference this Mayor makes to the wellbeing of London’s educators and the transformation of London’s education system especially for our SEND children.

Together, we will build a London where teachers feel valued, children feel seen, and every family knows that this city stands with them.

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign? You can find out more at https://cpaparty.net/ you can also follow us online at https://x.com/CPA_Party and https://www.facebook.com/www.cpaparty.net/.

Independent Rape Gang Inquiry hearings formally begin

Press Release: Rupert Lowe MP.

“This inquiry is about action. We have gathered evidence, we will listen carefully over the coming two weeks, and we will then act. Our ultimate objective is justice”

Today marks the opening of the public hearings of the Independent Rape Gang Inquiry, launching two full weeks of evidence-gathering, testimony and scrutiny focused on one of the most serious safeguarding failures in modern Britain.

The hearings will place survivors at the centre of the process and will hear evidence from victims, campaigners, whistleblowers, experts and public figures.

The inquiry was established following a public crowdfunding campaign launched by Rupert Lowe in early 2025, which became the largest political crowdfunder in British history.

Speaking at the opening of the hearings, Rupert Lowe who initiated the inquiry, said:

‘Today marks the beginning of something long overdue. Today, we open the hearings of our independent rape gang inquiry – two full weeks of evidence, testimony and scrutiny. Two weeks in which survivors will finally be heard.

Almost a year ago, I looked at the repeated broken promises from politicians and concluded that something had to be done. Not more words. Action.

That is why this inquiry exists. And it exists only because of the extraordinary support of the public. To everyone who donated, I want to place on record my sincere thanks. Without you, this would not be possible.’

The inquiry has been established to examine the scale and nature of organised child sexual exploitation, the institutional responses to it, and the repeated failures by public authorities to act on warnings.

“The law must not bend in the face of cultural sensitivity or institutional discomfort. No public body, no authority and no organisation is exempt from scrutiny when children are being harmed”

Rupert continued:

‘This inquiry is about action. We have gathered evidence, we will listen carefully over the coming two weeks, and we will then act. Our ultimate objective is justice – including the pursuit of private prosecutions where appropriate. Justice for the girls who were abused. Justice for the families who were ignored.

And justice for a country that was repeatedly misled about what was happening in its towns and cities.’

The inquiry will examine patterns that have been identified in multiple criminal cases and serious case reviews across England, including the operation of organised groups targeting vulnerable children – many of whom were in care or already known to public services.

It will also examine the documented failures of institutions to intervene effectively, including instances where professionals have stated that concerns about community relations, reputational risk or accusations of discrimination influenced operational decisions.

‘The law must not bend in the face of cultural sensitivity or institutional discomfort. No public body, no authority and no organisation is exempt from scrutiny when children are being harmed.

This inquiry exists because the official response to this scandal has been fragmented, defensive and incomplete. It has too often lacked the courage to confront uncomfortable facts.’

The inquiry has repeatedly stressed that the welfare of survivors is central to its work. A dedicated team of five qualified support specialists is available throughout the hearings to provide trauma-informed support to witnesses.

‘The mental health and wellbeing of survivors comes first. Everything we have put in place reflects that responsibility.

I also want to publicly thank the entire inquiry team for the immense amount of work that has gone into reaching this point.’

Over the next two weeks, the inquiry will hear evidence from survivors, investigative journalists, safeguarding professionals, campaigners and individuals who previously raised concerns but felt they were ignored.

Rupert concluded:

‘We owe it to this country to say clearly and without fear: no ideology, no institution and no political convenience should ever again be allowed to stand in the way of protecting children.

That is why these hearings matter. That is why this inquiry exists. And that is why we will not look away.’

During the hearings, there will be no media interviews in order to protect the wellbeing of the participants. Once the fortnight has concluded, that will change and our panellists will be available for interview.

“We owe it to this country to say clearly and without fear: no ideology, no institution and no political convenience should ever again be allowed to stand in the way of protecting children”

See more at: https://www.therapeganginquiry.org

Image from Grok.