Author: croydonconstitutionalists

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.

John Perry, Reform UK candidate for Havant

John Perry is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Havant.  We spoke with John about his decision to stand.

“I have always been a strong supporter of BREXIT, and after the 2016 EU Referendum, I believed that the UK would no longer take instructions from the EU; I believed in our Independence.  Unfortunately, the Conservatives decided not to abolish EU Legislation, refused to control our borders and have sold out our fishermen, meanwhile they are implementing an unaffordable net-zero strategy that is making us poorer.  I felt I had to stand up for the people of Havant and the UK”.

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is John Perry, and I was born in London, however for the last 40 years, I have lived in the Havant Constituency with my wife; we have two grown up children.

I have an honours degree in electronics and am a qualified accountant with extensive experience in manufacturing, finance, audit, and mergers and acquisitions.

“I am also a strong believer in the UK’s Sovereignty with our electable MPs being accountable for UK legislation”

In 1975, I voted to be in the Common Market as I believed this was beneficial to UK residents and businesses.  However, the Common Market has morphed into a political organisation called the European Union and the Common Market has now become a deeply protective customs union forcing high prices on residents and deterring world trade. 

I am also a strong believer in the UK’s Sovereignty with our electable MPs being accountable for UK legislation, rather that laws being forced on us by unelected bureaucrats in Brussels.

I wanted control over our borders and no free-movement and I also wanting our Exclusive Economic Zone reserved for our fishing industry.  Unfortunately, despite BREXIT, which is really BRexit In Name Only (BRINO), the Tories have delivered neither of these opportunities.

“the Conservatives claim to have conservative values, but they practice socialist values”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I have seen the Conservatives implement their own form or socialism called Consocialism.  This is a more dangerous and insidious form of covert socialism compared to the Labour Party’s overt socialism, because the Conservatives claim to have conservative values, but they practice socialist values.  Socialists eventually run out of other people’s money.

Under Blair’s premiership, Labour opened our borders to mass immigration.  In 2010, Cameron stated immigration would be cut to tens of thousands, but instead they increased immigration to 1.2 million in 2022, with net immigration of 600,000. 

High immigration increases the demand for houses and so forces up house prices and rents making them unaffordable to many.

“During the COVID Lockdown period, Labour wanted an even more draconian lockdown than the Conservatives implemented; meanwhile, Labour and Conservative politicians partied while we were fined if we made trips deemed unnecessary”

Meanwhile, Labour is making a concerted attacks on motorists.  There have implemented a default town speed limit of 20mph in Wales; in London they have implemented congestion charging, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ).  In Birmingham they are closing car parks.  Do you want these policies implemented by Labour across the UK?  The Conservatives also fully supported the London ULEZ plans.

During the COVID Lockdown period, Labour wanted an even more draconian lockdown than the Conservatives implemented; meanwhile, Labour and Conservative politicians partied while we were fined if we made trips deemed unnecessary.  And don’t forget the multi-million-pound contracts awarded to Tory supporters for PPE equipment that netted them huge unjustified profits and the £37 billion of taxpayer money wasted on a non-functional Trace and Trace System.

Labour were criticised for raising the National Debt, but the Conservatives have raised it from 50% to 100% of GDP, see this article.  The UK must live within its own means, yet the Conservatives are planning to borrow even more money to give us a pre-General Election bribe in 2024!

Do not fall for Conservative promises; judge them on what they have done in harming our economy with high taxes, high inflation, high debt, and high energy prices.

Richard Tice, the party leader of Reform, has financially supported Reform UK and we offer a real alternative to Labour and the Conservatives whose policies implemented policies are identical.

Reform UK WILL:

  • Abolish #NetZero which is unaffordable.
  • Implement one-in, one-out for immigration.
  • Reform the economy and go for growth.
  • Implement a £20,000 income tax allowance.
  • Cut Corporation Tax to stimulate tax revenue.
  • Implement zero NHS waiting lists.
  • Reform the House of Lords and BBC.

If you want change, you MUST VOTE for CHANGE.

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

Podcast Episode 88 – Tony Brown Public Meeting

Podcast from our public meeting in Purley, where we were joined by Tony Brown, the Libertarian Party UK candidate for Mayor of London.

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You can find out more about the Libertarian Party at https://www.libertarianpartyuk.com/ and follow Tony on Twitter at https://twitter.com/libertariantony.

Interview with Max Stenner, Social Democratic Party (SDP) Dorset County Coordinator

With the SDP making headway across the country we speak with Max Stenner the party’s coordinator in Dorset.

“We have been leading a successful campaign in the town of Corfe Mullen, based around a local bridge which is lacking a footpath”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m the SDP’s Dorset County Coordinator, and an active member of the Young Social Democrats. In 2022, I was publicly acclaimed for my skills in the field of Public Speaking by my local MP, Simon Hoare. I am also the Foreign Correspondent to a student newspaper based in Indianapolis, the Collegiate Commons. My main interests (other than politics) are music, history and Christian theology. 

What does being the County Coordinator involve, and how are the SDP making headway in the county?

As a county coordinator, I am responsible for the party’s campaigns in the local area and for our turnout in local and general elections. 

We have been leading a successful campaign in the town of Corfe Mullen, based around a local bridge which is lacking a footpath. Our petition has received over 200 signatures, and we have been out on campaign days where we have been well-received. Locally, we have been featured in two local magazines.

In October I reached out to every Dorset member in order to recruit candidates for this year’s general election, from which I have managed to fill 4 out of the 8 seats in Dorset.

We have also participated in local leafleting in the town in which I live, Blandford Forum, alongside Corfe Mullen. 

“the main parties who have been in control of Dorset Council for decades (the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats) have turned a blind eye to the issues affecting the residents they are supposed to represent”

What are the campaigns you and the SDP have been involved in locally? 

Last year we ran small campaigns in the towns of Verwood and the aforementioned Blandford, relating to local issues, such as the lack of a local secondary school in Verwood and surgery waiting lists in Blandford. 

We have extended our Corfe Mullen campaign to the neighbouring town of Wimborne Minster, and even though it is a predominantly Lib Dem area, we are beginning to make inroads there. 

The focus on local issues is down to the fact that the main parties who have been in control of Dorset Council for decades (the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats) have turned a blind eye to the issues affecting the residents they are supposed to represent. There is a gap in the market for a party that cares.

You are the Foreign Correspondent for a student newspaper in Indiana. What sort of articles do they look for on the U.K.?

I became involved with the Collegiate Commons recently, they are a student publication based in Indiana with a communitarian agenda and dedicated to the whole life ethic. They are affiliated with the American Solidarity Party (ASP), an admirable organisation which is pretty much the American equivalent of the SDP.

I write one article per month (one in each issue) for them, on a range of topics across the world. These include; the war in Gaza, the rise of right-wing populism in Europe and the state of the Church of England. 

I also write a Substack blog, where I cover political issues affecting the UK. My article about the SDP was shared by the party leader, William Clouston, and my article about the economic philosophy of Distributism was shared by the ASP. You can find my blog at maxstenner.substack.com.

For those eager to help locally, how can they get in touch? 

To find out more about the SDP visit our website at https://sdp.org.uk/.

Anyone willing to help out in SDP campaigns can email me at [email protected], or follow and message me on Twitter.