Alex Culley is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton Itchen. We spoke with Alex about his decision to stand.
“the seemingly constant attacks on our heritage and culture from radical elements which are either indulged or promoted by the legacy parties”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Alex Culley. I live in Eastleigh (next door to Southampton Itchen) and am an owner of a small consulting business based in Southampton. The business helps firms active in the financial services industry understand the raft of regulations they are subject to.
I am a father to two boys. In my limited spare time I enjoy reading, learning new things, travelling and watching a variety of sports.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I decided to stand for Reform UK simply because I have had enough of the:
- dysfunctional political system. It is no accident that Parliament meanders from one crisis to another. The First Past the Post electoral system gives rise to “safe seats” which are attractive to careerists who appear to stand for nothing other than election. Nepotism is a designed in feature of the system of political appointments to the House of Lords;
- the seemingly constant attacks on our heritage and culture from radical elements which are either indulged or promoted by the legacy parties; and
- liberal elite’s total contempt for public concerns about the impact mass immigration is having on our country.
Reform UK has an excellent set of policies to tackle these issues. For example, we would:
- shake up our political system by replacing the House of Lords with a smaller second chamber and introducing proportional voting for the House of Commons;
- legislate to stop left-wing bias and ‘woke’ ideology; and
- freeze all non-essential immigration.
“I can regularly be found at St Mary’s on a matchday. Furthermore, being based in next door Eastleigh, I am a frequent visitor to the city’s bars, restaurants, shops”
You’re the Spokesman for Southampton Itchen what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I have a strong emotional connection to the area.
My father hails from Southampton Itchen (Thornhill). He left when he joined the Royal Air Force during the Cold War. However, as a child I would spend many happy weekends and holidays in the constituency visiting my relatives. Naturally, I caught the Southampton FC bug too! I can regularly be found at St Mary’s on a matchday. Furthermore, being based in next door Eastleigh, I am a frequent visitor to the city’s bars, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities and want to see them thrive.
“Council tax, rents, parking charges and fees on the Itchen Bridge have all risen to help cover the shortfall. Many are anxious to ensure that a Birmingham style financial collapse does not occur in Southampton”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
In my view, the biggest concern which is specific to the constituency is the financial situation at Southampton City Council. Threatened with bankruptcy, the Council was forced to seek emergency government assistance earlier this year. Council tax, rents, parking charges and fees on the Itchen Bridge have all risen to help cover the shortfall. Many are anxious to ensure that a Birmingham style financial collapse does not occur in Southampton.
Other significant concerns include the public health risks currently posed by the high levels of e. Coli in the River Itchen, the availability and quality of social housing and improving Southampton’s transport infrastructure, particularly to maximise the benefits of the Solent Freeport.
I especially hope to champion:
- the preservation, and balanced presentation of, British history, culture and traditions;
- the promotion of free speech; and
- prudent financial management, both locally and nationally.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Being a snap election, the campaign will largely be comprised of the following activities:
- leafleting;
- displaying boards;
- participating in hustings; and
- possibly, also operating some street stalls or “round town” style events.
Any offers of assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to get involved.
You can also find me on X/Twitter at https://twitter.com/CulleyC58841.
