Month: April 2026

Michael Swadling, Reform UK candidate for Norbury Park in Croydon.

With local elections across here in Croydon in May, we speak with our very own Michael Swadling, Reform UK candidate for Norbury Park.

“Years of failure and political meddling by the council have squandered much of that legacy, leaving taxpayers with mounting debt while hollowing out vital services”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?

Born in Mayday Hospital, I’m a lifelong Croydonian with deep roots in our community. For over 20 years, I have served as a school governor at schools across the borough. I ran the Vote Leave campaign in Croydon and have stood for office before.

I had hoped to leave party politics behind, but I’ve decided to run because I remember growing up in an area full of prosperity and opportunity – with excellent shopping, strong road networks, and a vibrant nightlife. Years of failure and political meddling by the council have squandered much of that legacy, leaving taxpayers with mounting debt while hollowing out vital services.

I want to help deliver a council that gets the basics right and empowers the people of Croydon to build the local businesses, jobs, and services we all desire.

“Too often, however, Croydon Council gets in the way – making it harder for people to get around, worsening parking, and failing to deliver the basic services”

You’re the prospective candidate for Norbury Park ward, what are the major concerns in the area?

Many of the issues residents raise – crime, antisocial behaviour, littering, and fly-tipping – stem from the same underlying problem: a lack of pride and belief in our area. 

There are already many excellent local initiatives in Norbury and beyond that support our community, and these should be actively encouraged and backed. 

Too often, however, Croydon Council gets in the way – making it harder for people to get around, worsening parking, and failing to deliver the basic services residents need. Tackling these issues will be my will focus for Norbury Park.

“The borough is effectively bankrupt, and there is no easy fix. Labour drove it into de facto bankruptcy, and the Conservatives have failed to resolve the deep-rooted problems”

More widely what do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?

I have been closely tracking Croydon Council’s problems for over a decade. I was also actively involved in the successful DEMOC campaign that delivered a directly elected Mayor and greater accountability to the borough.

You can read some of my analysis on the waste and mismanagement at the council in my article for the TaxPayers’ Alliance: ‘Consequences for Croydon’

The borough is effectively bankrupt, and there is no easy fix. Labour drove it into de facto bankruptcy, and the Conservatives have failed to resolve the deep-rooted problems. Taxpayers and frontline services have paid the price, while the council continues to waste money on flag-raising ceremonies at every opportunity, with little reduction in senior executive roles, hidden payments, and self-promotion through Your Croydon. It raids whatever funding pot it can, yet residents and essential services continue to suffer.

We need real accountability for the financial mess and a fundamental shift in priorities – from “nice-to-have” vanity projects to “need-to-have” basics. The sums involved may not always be enormous, but we must have a council leadership that leads by example and lives within its means.

Beyond wasteful spending, council interference has allowed our town centre to fall into decline. We need fewer grand schemes and more freedom for small businesses to thrive – delivering better shopping, an appealing environment to locate offices, and a vibrant night-time economy. Where the council should get involved is by working closely with the police and local businesses to make the areas around East and West Croydon stations safe, clean, and welcoming once again.

Beyond the town centre, we have successful local high streets that deserve far greater support. If elected, I will champion Norbury, Upper Norwood, and all our district centres, helping them become thriving, independent destinations shaped by local businesses and the community.

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?

You can read our excellent ‘OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU’ for Croydon.  You can also follow us on Facebook or contact us at chair.croydon@reformuk.com.

You can find and contact me on Facebook @swadling4Croydon and on X/Twitter @MikeSwadling.

“We need fewer grand schemes and more freedom for small businesses to thrive – delivering better shopping, an appealing environment to locate offices, and a vibrant night-time economy”

Michael Swadling is running for Reform UK with Maria Evans in Norbury Park.

Maria Evans, Reform UK candidate for Norbury Park in Croydon.

With local elections across here in Croydon in May, we speak with Maria Evans, Reform UK candidate for Norbury Park.

“It is my absolute resolve and intentional delight to be of serve in Norbury Park ward”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi there!  Maria Evans is my name and Norbury Park is my ward – and I am truly excited to have the privilege of service in Norbury Park!

Please let me introduce myself here under to you –

My working life spanned various office positions from starting my career as a shorthand typist in the South African Railways upon leaving school to company secretarial governance and share trust administration with the ability to build strong relations with all stakeholders.  Combined I have approximately 26 years of experience in various business entities including auditing, asset management, corporate law, CIB banking, fast moving consumer goods, share trusts and various niche markets.

Was given British Citizenship upon marrying my Liverpool born husband in 1972.  Immigrated to UK in 2017.  After arriving in the UK it seemed prudent to ensure that I had acceptable British qualifications to offer, if needed, and received a level 3 hairdressing NVQ qualification from Croydon College.

Although South African born my heritage was and is predominantly British in family culture.  My family love Britain and all my immediate family live in UK.

It is my absolute resolve and intentional delight to be of serve in Norbury Park ward.

What made you decide to run?

The reason is my desire to be of service due to my experience in Croydon since we arrived as a family from South Africa at the end of 2014.  Very fortunately for us, we were able to be housed by a good family friend.  Dealing with all the official authorities including Croydon Council was relatively easy as these officials were just literally a phone call away and/or a visit to their offices.

Everything seemed to run well including visits to doctors and referrals, if needed. The doctors were able to prescribe relevant medicines as they saw fit. The public transport was impressive and decently reliable. We were able to buy a shopping cart full of good quality vegetables, groceries including meat and dairy, toiletries and some luxury goodies as well for £20.  One learnt that one can walk around towns, parks, and surrounding areas, public transport systems in relative safety, even for the young and old.  The roads were well kept. People were very accommodating of one another.  Even the English dogs are socialised.  People were able to afford a visit to the coffee shop or have a meal.  The high-streets were working well and no business premises stayed unoccupied for long.  The pubs were amazing with pub breakfasts and meals being really affordable. Many older people seemed to come regularly for maybe one decent meal a day on a regular basis.  The pubs were places where the less fortunate of society could go to for an outing, friendship and a bit of a meal.  The pubs catered for the whole strata of society in a very British way of life.  The minimum wage seemed to work good enough for the young and the rest of society.  People were relaxed and certain of their way of life.  They were at ease.

“Norbury Park suffers from some significant antisocial behaviour, including vandalism, drink and drug use, making visitors feel unsafe”

You’re the prospective candidate for Norbury Park ward, what are the major concerns in the area?

Looking at the park itself as a microcosm of the ward, Norbury Park suffers from some significant antisocial behaviour, including vandalism, drink and drug use, making visitors feel unsafe. We also have problems with litter, graffiti, and poor maintenance requiring regular intensive community cleaning efforts.  Key problems include:

  • Antisocial Behaviour: Frequent complaints about drug dealing, drug use, and groups of people drinking in the park.
  • Vandalism: The park has experienced recurring vandalism. Including destroyed equipment, broken notice boards, and graffiti.  The cricket pitch had been appalling vandalised.
  • Safety Concerns: Incidents of intimidation, violence, and sexual offences have been reported.  Increased crime during dark hours is a significant concern.
  • Infrastructure Issues: Poor lighting in certain areas is a major concern.  While a new, all-weather path was installed in 2025 to fix severe winter and mud flooding, the area still requires better facilities.
  • Homelessness & Unauthorised Use: Previous issues with encampments led to police intervention, and the area faces challenges with e-bike misuse and illegal parking, near the site.

“I would like to champion bringing resolutions to the problems of loneliness and misunderstanding”

More widely what do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?

We need a restoration of our City Centre with:

  • Improved infrastructure
  • Businesses helped to be established and maintained
  • Functioning GP surgeries and hospitals
  • More housing
  • Youth engagement
  • Employment
  • Education and understanding
  • Green belts maintained and policed
  • Crime in all its aspects stamped out

I would like to champion bringing resolutions to the problems of loneliness and misunderstanding.

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?

You can find out more in our booklet ‘CROYDON NEEDS REFORM – OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU’.  You can also follow us on Facebook or contact us at chair.croydon@reformuk.com.

Maria Evans is running for Reform UK with Michael Swadling in Norbury Park.

Adnan Ghori, Reform UK candidate for Waddon in Croydon.

With local elections across here in Croydon in May, we speak with Adnan Ghori, Reform UK candidate for Waddon.

“many people feel disconnected from how those decisions are made. I would want to bridge that gap by making information clearer, encouraging open discussion”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?

My name is Adnan Ghori and while I am a candidate for council, I’m here to represent something increasingly important in our communities: informed, thoughtful decision-making supported by technology and shared knowledge.

My motivation is simple – helping people make better decisions, together. Local government shapes everyday life, from schools and transport to housing and public services. Yet, many people feel disconnected from how those decisions are made. I would want to bridge that gap by making information clearer, encouraging open discussion, and ensuring every voice has access to the knowledge it needs to be heard.

I believe strong communities are built on transparency, participation, and practical solutions.

I want to focus on making local issues easier to understand, highlighting diverse perspectives, and supporting policies that improve quality of life for everyone.

I aim to empower, helping voters stay informed, engaged, and confident in shaping their local future.

“Many residents are worried about anti-social behaviour, theft, and feeling unsafe in certain areas, particularly in the evenings. People want visible policing”

You’re the prospective candidate for Waddon ward, what are the major concerns in the area?

Standing as a prospective candidate for Waddon Ward because I believe local voices deserve stronger representation and practical solutions to everyday challenges.

Through speaking with residents and understanding the area, several major concerns consistently come up.

First, community safety is a top priority. Many residents are worried about anti-social behaviour, theft, and feeling unsafe in certain areas, particularly in the evenings. People want visible policing and preventative measures that actually make a difference.

Second, housing and development remain pressing issues. There are concerns about the pace of new developments, pressure on infrastructure, and the need for genuinely affordable housing-not just more buildings, but better planning that benefits existing residents.

Transport and traffic are also significant challenges. Congestion, parking difficulties, and the reliability of public transport services affect daily life. Safer roads, better traffic management, and improved connections are key priorities for many in the ward.

Another major concern is the condition of local services. Residents often raise issues around waste collection, street cleanliness, and maintenance of public spaces. People want to see consistent, reliable services that reflect the taxes they pay.

Finally, there’s a strong desire to protect and improve green spaces. Parks and open areas are vital for wellbeing, but concerns about upkeep, safety, and potential overdevelopment are frequently mentioned.

I am standing because I want to listen, to act, and ensure Waddon remains a safe, well-connected, and thriving place to live.

“If elected, I would champion responsible financial management, ensuring transparency, prioritising essential services, and rebuilding trust”

More widely what do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?

One of the most significant issues in the London Borough of Croydon is financial stability. The council has faced serious budget pressures in recent years, which has had a direct impact on frontline services. If elected, I would champion responsible financial management, ensuring transparency, prioritising essential services, and rebuilding trust with residents about how public money is spent.

Another major challenge is housing. Croydon continues to face high demand for affordable homes, alongside concerns about temporary accommodation and the quality of some housing provision. I would advocate for sustainable development that delivers genuinely affordable, high-quality housing while protecting existing communities.

Town centre regeneration is also critical. Croydon Town Centre has huge potential but needs careful, community-focused renewal. I would support investment that boosts local businesses, improves safety, and creates a vibrant, welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

Community safety remains a borough-wide concern. Working closely with police and local organisations to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour is a key priority, alongside prevention strategies that support young people and vulnerable groups.

Finally, I would strongly champion opportunities for young people-whether through education, skills training, or access to employment. A stronger future for Croydon depends on investing in the next generation and giving them real pathways to succeed

My hope is to help build a Croydon that is financially stable, socially inclusive, and full of opportunity for everyone.

My name is Adnan Ghori l living in Croydon past 10 years  I am a candidate of UK Reform Waddon Ward.

I’m a  Health fighter and I’m here to be heard, to stand up for local people’s Suggestions and change sickness into healthy progress. 

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?

You can find out more in our booklet ‘CROYDON NEEDS REFORM – OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU’.  You can also follow us on Facebook or contact us at chair.croydon@reformuk.com.

The Margaret Thatcher Centre – Freedom Festival 2026

The weekend of the 21/22 March saw the 4th Annual Margaret Thatcher Centre – Freedom Festival in Buckingham.  These are great events we would highly recommend.  Over the past few years these have moved from being very Conservative (as in the party) based to more conservative (as in the philosophy) #with a growing acceptance that there are now two parties with memberships that largely believe in liberty, rule of law, a strong nation, and economic liberty.

A strong theme of this year’s event was bringing the right together.

Below are some notes from the weekend.  Where I’ve used quotes, these were taken down as notes to the best of my ability and memory and might not be 100% accurate. 

“44p in every £1 is spent by government.
We are 16 out of 18 countries in the OECD for Cancer survival rates.
No UK Chancellor has balanced the books in 26 years.”

Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Business Secretary

Where we are today:

  • In 1998 the UK was 9th in the world for GDP per capita.  We are no longer in the top 20.
  • 44p in every £1 is spent by government.
  • We are 16 out of 18 countries in the OECD for Cancer survival rates.
  • No UK Chancellor has balanced the books in 26 years.
  • Every UK taxpayer carries £76K of government debt.

What we need:

  • Energy abundance, Flexible Labour Market, and Low Taxes.
  • Unblocking of the North Sea.
  • Take a chainsaw to regulation like Milei in Argentina.
  • We need to fall back in love with risk taking.
  • Every interaction with the HMRC to have a first name and surname from the department to drive accountability.

Panel Discussion: Is the Conservative Party Dead?

Among other things the panel discussed the following:

  • We have a Conservative Party where a lot of MPs voted to allow abortion up to Birth and asked if this is Conservative.
  • There was a general belief the party needed more democracy.

Panel Discussion: Uniting the Right? Lessons from America and Canada

Among other things the panel discussed the following:

  • People like Trump in the UK but largely the issue is not salient / people don’t care.  This may change with the war in Iran.
  • “You have to disagree, but you don’t have to be disagreeable”.
  • “Hate this trend where having views, even sound views, is the same as running a government department – it is not”.

Lord Frost – How Can Britain Recover?

  • Borrowing north of £100 billion a year.
  • We don’t have a say on all the laws in Northern Ireland.
  • We have an establishment that doesn’t see the benefit of national independence and are ill at ease with it.
  • “If Italy governs itself badly at least it still has the food, landscape and weather.  If Britain governs itself badly, what have you got?”
  • “We’ve moved from a world where Warden Hodges was a figure of fun to one where Covid clipboard Marshalls were valid”.
  • We “need to present freedom as empowerment”.

“There is no moral equivalence between a democracy defending itself and terrorists targeting civilians”

Sir Conor Burns, Chairman, The Margaret Thatcher Centre

  • They “sort the adulation of those who would never vote Conservative”.
  • “Members of Parliament have swapped power for status”.
  • “I have nothing against special advisors with their illustrious careers in Central Office, all 3 years of them”.

 Greg Smith MP, Mid-Buckinghamshire

  • Pointed out how we should always be on the side of Israel a democracy under attack.
  • “There is no moral equivalence between a democracy defending itself and terrorists targeting civilians”.

Laila Cunningham, London Mayoral Candidate, Reform UK

  • Spoke about the Free Market and asked “who serves who?”
  • Also, the need to reintroduce Community Policing in London.
  • “Two tier travel” in London, “those who can afford ULEZ and those who can’t”.
  • We “need to stop the was on motorists”.

“Two tier travel” in London, “those who can afford ULEZ and those who can’t”

Jack Rankin MP, Windsor

  • Talked about the need for “Muscular integration”.
  • He also noted the gender split among 6th formers between boys (Reform) and girls (Greens).

Panel Discussion: The Death of Free Speech in Starmer’s Britain

“You should be able to live your lives free to send hamster memes to regulators”

The Freedom Dinner had Lord Hannan as the main speaker.  He started the speech mentioning that 2026 is the 250th Anniversary of the unrest in the American colonies, but also Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations.

On a personal note it was fascinating to be sat next to Sir Ivan Lawrence KC an MP for over 20 years, someone who variously led or played a part in the defence of Stephen Ward in the Profumo trials, the Kray’s Dennis Nilsen, and the Brink’s-Mat robbery.

Peter Just Author, Margaret Thatcher: Life After Downing Street

  • Spoke about Maggie’s 7 Principles (of which I captured 5).
    • Liberty
    • Sound Money
    • Rule of Law
    • Strong National Defence
    • Strong Economy
  • Spoke about her successful plan for and export of privatisation.

“The 2 main parties of the last 100 years can’t get 40% between them.  We have 1980’s Italian politics.”

Panel Discussion: The Future of the Right

  • “Huge clear out needed of Conservative MPs to the left on immigration of the Tory voters and the public”.

Mark Littlewood, Director, Popular Conservatism

  • “The 2 main parties of the last 100 years can’t get 40% between them.  We have 1980’s Italian politics.”

In Conversation: Donal Blaney and Tim Montgomerie

  • Tim noted: “If you look at local government by-elections, I expect Reform to do well in May”.

Also thanks for Tim Aker, Gawain Towler, Paul Bristow, Will Yarwood, David Campbell Bannerman, Catherine McBride OBE, Tim Scott, and Giles Dilnot and others for some fascinating conversations and input around the event. 

“We need to fall back in love with risk taking”

Sandy Mcdougall, SDP candidate for Clapham Park ward in Lambeth.

With local elections across London in May, we speak with Sandy Mcdougall, SDP candidate for Clapham Park ward in London Borough of Lambeth.

“I don’t think local authorities should have positions on international affairs. The focus should be resolutely local”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?

I am 59 years old. I’m Scottish and have lived in London since 1990, in Lambeth since 1996. I work in local government. I decided to run as I think I could make a positive contribution to my local area, and a loss of faith in how local government is being run at the moment. For instance, I don’t think local authorities should have positions on international affairs. The focus should be resolutely local. 

“I will push the Council and Ringway to fix pavement hazards fast, including autumn leaf build-up.”

You’re the prospective candidate for Clapham Park ward. What are the main concerns in the area?

Community safety: ASB and crime

  • I will work with the Safer Neighbourhoods Team for patrols, ANPR at hotspots, and Community Trigger action on persistent ASB.

Local environment: fly-tipping and pavements

  • I will push the Council and Ringway to fix pavement hazards fast, including autumn leaf build-up.
  • On fly-tipping, I will target hotspots with covert cameras, demand rapid removals, and act against repeat offenders.

Regeneration and amenities

  • I will press for shops and facilities to open early, so services keep pace with new homes.
  • Kings Avenue Hub: deliver the community centre and retail/leisure on time.
  • Market Square: get it active early with pop-ups and events.
  • Commercial strategy: prioritise affordable units for independents.

I will support resident-led initiatives and attend the Residents Committee quarterly.

More widely what do you see as the major issues that if elected you hope to champion?

My approach is to focus on ward priorities and core services, delivering value for money.

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?

I am on X – @SandyMcD_SDP and more information on the SDP can be found on our website – https://sdp.org.uk.

“My approach is to focus on ward priorities and core services, delivering value for money”

Steve Gardner, SDP candidate for Hillingdon East ward in London Borough of Hillingdon.

With local elections across London in May, we speak with Steve Gardner, SDP candidate for Hillingdon East ward in London Borough of Hillingdon.

“People want to and have a right to feel safe in their community and homes. We do have a safer neighbourhood team for the ward, but this is understaffed and overworked”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?

My name is Steve Gardner and I’m standing for the SDP in the London ward of Hillingdon East, where I live along with most of my family.

You’re the prospective candidate for Hillingdon East ward, what are the major concerns in the area?

From speaking to those who live in the area and from my own observations, I would say the main concerns are community safety, HMO overdevelopment and fly tipping. Obviously, there are others, but these are three that come up quite often.

Hillingdon East is quite a nice place to live but there are anti-social issues that need addressing. People want to and have a right to feel safe in their community and homes. We do have a safer neighbourhood team for the ward, but this is understaffed and overworked. I don’t think this problem is just in this ward; I think it’s common all over London. More must be done when it comes to community Policing and safety.

“making it cheaper for commercial waste to be disposed of at local refuse sites might help to reduce fly tipping so there is a lot to consider”

HMOs are another major concern, especially with the migrant hotels closing. We are quite close to Heathrow and there are a few migrant hotels there so the Borough as a whole is under pressure to accommodate not just its own residents, but many others that have ended up here. There are a few HMO applications in the ward and to be honest, it’s difficult for the infrastructure to accommodate them. Additionally, HMO’s result in a loss of family housing, an increase in waste management, an increase in tenant turnover which can lead to an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour and an increase in parking issues and traffic. Most houses accommodate two car families, but HMOs can have up to four or five cars.

As for fly tipping, this is common all over the borough and so much more needs to be done. Installing covert cameras in known hotspots and increased penalties are needed and the seizure and crushing of vehicles involved needs to be rigorously enforced. Additionally, making it cheaper for commercial waste to be disposed of at local refuse sites might help to reduce fly tipping so there is a lot to consider.

More widely what do you see as the big issues for the London Borough of Hillingdon and what if elected what would you hope to champion?

According to residents and local reports, the biggest issues in the London Borough of Hillingdon include a severe shortage of affordable housing and high homelessness rates, rising antisocial behavior and concerns over high-density, low-quality Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). People are also concerned about the state of the Council’s finances and the Heathrow expansion.

I would certainly champion a more robust Policing policy as this, in my opinion, would do a lot to alleviate many problems people are concerned about. The politicians have massively let down the Police who have been unable to carry out their jobs properly. They should be supported, backed and encouraged to proactively police our communities to make them safer.

Additionally, I’m passionate about a sense of community so affordable housing with priority given to Hillingdon residents is also high on my list. Cheaper housing is also an SDP policy which we have been championing for years.

“I’m passionate about a sense of community so affordable housing with priority given to Hillingdon residents is also high on my list”

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?

I’m on social media so either on my twitter page @SGardnerSDP, or via Facebook @SDPNWLondon. 

I can also be contacted via email on steve.gardner@sdp.org.uk

More information on the SDP can be found on our website – https://sdp.org.uk.