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Timothy Blaxill, Reform UK candidate for Witham

Timothy Blaxill is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Witham in Essex.  We spoke with Timothy about his decision to stand.

“I believe the masses are waking up to the lack lustre leaders, who seem to be more focused on their own gains, rather than putting the nation at the heart of their decisions”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m a family man, local to the area and an active part of the local community. This is my 1st General Election, after standing for local elections on behalf of Reform.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK

I stand for common sense: Reform UK is our only serious contender, which can make Britain great again. 

My strap line message is “if it doesn’t make sense, it needs reform”. – I feel this message can be applied to all areas of politics from both local to national and even international perspectives.

I believe in working for the masses and I believe the masses are waking up to the lack lustre leaders, who seem to be more focused on their own gains, rather than putting the nation at the heart of their decisions.

Reform has policies which make sense, use simple language and simply just speak common sense.

“I want the local community to actively engage in politics for a better outcome for all. We need people voting with their feet (and a few to help spread the message!)”

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

I live and work in Witham and am raising my family here.

I firmly believe it’s vitally important to have a principled and moral individual who is known and respected in the local area in representation of Witham.
I want the local community to actively engage in politics for a better outcome for all. We need people voting with their feet (and a few to help spread the message!)

It’s time the Government remembered they work for you first as a voter before the Business Sector.

“Why didn’t the police attend when I reported a burglary?
Why is it cheaper to fly to Italy, eat a pizza and drink a nice cool beer, than it is to get a return ticket into London on the train?”

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

I’m here to champion whatever issues my constituents feel are important. From the small issues to the larger ones – they all need to be reformed.

For example –

  • when did you last get a chance to see your GP face-to-face?
  • Last time you saw a policeman on the beat?

Along with issues our local community have felt -such as;

  • Why didn’t the police attend when I reported a burglary?
  • Why is it cheaper to fly to Italy, eat a pizza and drink a nice cool beer, than it is to get a return ticket into London on the train?
  • Where does my road tax go? When all I see around the county are potholes I could swim in.
  • Why is the price of everything skyrocketing?
  • Why is V.A.T added to purchases that are of a necessity such as sanitary products? And necessary commodities such as fuel and utilities?

The whole system is skewed toward the elitist few. However, there are only a few elites and there are millions of people just like you and me. If we can unite as one voice, we can not only win but prosper.

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

I can be contacted via email at [email protected], and found on Facebook, and Twitter / X.  You can find all my details on the Reform website. There you will find the details for my Perspective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC). You will note, unlike other potential MPs, my full contact details including my mobile number are available publicly. I’m not sure most MPs could say the same…

Politics is about the greater good for all, I desperately need help in spreading the word and gaining traction to turn into votes. We need people to spread the word and vote with their feet. No change will come if we don’t vote for change. A vote for Reform would not be a wasted vote, that’s simple propaganda peddled by the worried red and blue.

Sebastian Moore, SDP Candidate for Manchester Central

Sebastian Moore is the SDP prospective candidate for Manchester Central.  We spoke with Sebastian about his decision to stand.

“A party that is serious about fixing the broken political system. A party that recognises that a nation is built on family and community and that the upper limit of democracy is the nation state”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I grew up in Dorset as the youngest of five children. I’m grateful to my parents that we always ate dinner around the kitchen table and they encouraged talk of politics, religion, and anything else. When I left school, I became an English teacher and lived in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Maldives. After a friend and I spent some time making YouTube videos around Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, we finally accepted that we should start living an adult life and moved to Manchester. I have lived here a few years now and I work as a maths tutor as well as getting involved in various things in the local community.

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

Our current era is one of polarisation. If you support the renationalisation of the railways, people think you must be a Corbynite. If you’re proud of the country, you’re deemed conservative. When I came across the reemergent Social Democratic Party, I was amazed. Here’s a party that is both pro-market and pro-public sector. A party that is serious about fixing the broken political system. A party that recognises that a nation is built on family and community and that the upper limit of democracy is the nation state. I realised that for the first time in my life, I wanted to become a member of a political party. They didn’t yet have a candidate for Manchester Central, so I put my name forward and I was delighted that they accepted me. I’m going to tell myself that I fought off stiff competition for the nomination.

“Manchester has become my home. As a city, it is special. Where the industrial revolution took off. The first canal, the first railway. It is international but also local”


You’re the Spokesman for Manchester Central what’s made you decide to represent this area?

When I moved back to the UK, I came to Manchester with all my belongings and no house or job. The first few months were cold and dark, both metaphorically and literally. It turns out that finding either a house or job is no easy task nowadays. I was fortunate that it worked out in the end and in the years since, Manchester has become my home. As a city, it is special. Where the industrial revolution took off. The first canal, the first railway. It is international but also local. I find it hard to walk through town without bumping into someone I know. Our voting system means that the city is often neglected by politics. The Labour party is adamant that it will win the constituency. And so are the other parties. This means that the voters are taken for granted. I want to offer them a real choice. I am standing in Manchester Central because it is my home and I am ready to fight for it.

“For too long, the main parties have been allowed to control the agenda and maintain the status quo while the nation slowly decays”


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

We face many of the same issues as the rest of the country. Some, like the housing crisis, are felt even more strongly in this area than elsewhere. During the last academic year, Manchester universities paid students to live in other parts of the country because there was not enough accommodation here. Our system currently operates on policies that are in opposition to each other. This is because the establishment parties have no vision. As I cycle around the city bouncing in and out of potholes, I am reminded of the state of things. While the poor condition of the roads is a problem in itself, it is a symptom of deeper fractures. For too long, the main parties have been allowed to control the agenda and maintain the status quo while the nation slowly decays. As the representative of Manchester Central, I will go to Westminster and make the people’s voice heard. It’s time for our politics to be shaken up.


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

There is a role for anyone willing to help with the campaign. From delivering leaflets, to canvassing, or even strategizing.  If you want to help create a society which cares for its citizens, where you know your neighbours, and whose communities thrive, come and join us. This is your call up. It’s time to get on the pitch.

My email address is [email protected]. I live in Castlefield. Drop me a message and I’ll put the kettle on.

You can find out more about the SDP at https://sdp.org.uk/.

Raj Forhad, Reform UK candidate for Ilford South

Raj Forhad is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Ilford South.  We spoke with Raj about his decision to stand.

“I spent all of my money to complete my MSc at the University of Central Lancashire. When I left Preston, Lancashire with a £1 Mega bus ticket ride in 2011, I only had £5 in my pocket”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

From a very early age, I have always had the great dream and vision to work for the people and to be their voice wherever I live.

I have been married to Shahana for over 12 years and we have two children – Zayan and Arash.

As a highly skilled legal migrant, I had gone through a tough, roller coaster journey. I have been respecting the laws and contributing high taxes in the UK.

I spent all of my money to complete my MSc at the University of Central Lancashire. When I left Preston, Lancashire with a £1 Mega bus ticket ride in 2011, I only had £5 in my pocket.

I always have great dedication and an innovative mindset to do something better for my life and the community. I have been been endorsed as an Exceptional Talent by Tech Nation, UK (https://technation.io/ ) because of my significant contribution to the UK Digital Sector, after competing thousands high profiles with many years of working experiences in IT including many PhD holders from the top universities around the world in UK’s Exceptional Talent competition, probably I am the first and last Bangladeshi Exceptional Talent, and through Tier 1 Exceptional Talent and High Skilled migrant routes I became a British citizen.

Now, I have been working as an Enterprise Architect Consultant for Tier 1 banks in the UK. I also run a few small businesses.

I have been in politics from the age of nine in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and campaigned, joined marches and road shows for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

I stood as a Councillor Candidate at Chadwell ward, Redbridge from the Conservatives party in May, 2022 local election.

Social and Political Activities

“Current politics by Conservatives, Labour, LibDem are not fit for the people and the country. They have run out of ideas”


What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

The Britain I used to know has broken – broken in many sectors by both Conservatives and Labour parties.

Current politics by Conservatives, Labour, LibDem are not fit for the people and the country. They have run out of ideas, lack the determination to get the UK back on track and work for the working class people.

The immense challenges are ahead and except Reform UK, no other party has any Common Sense solutions to “Make Britain Great Again”!

I want to reshape and reform the UK, and get it back on track.

Rishi Sunak and all other Conservative PMs for the last 13 years have shown poor leadership. Recently, they have failed to work on the mandate given by the general people in 2019 and in previous general elections. Their policies and laws have brought devastating impacts on hard working people, businesses.

You’re the Spokesman for Ilford South what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I am standing as an Prospective Parliamentary Candidate at Ilford South Constituency in Redbridge with Reform UK on behalf of the residents because like many of you I am frustrated, worried, tremendously concern about the current situations in Ilford South, Redbridge as:

  • inflation is super high,
  • mortgage rates are hitting the hard working people,
  • ULEZ introduction is hitting many of you,
  • crimes are in high rates,
  • residents safety is at critical conditions,
  • women going out on roads day or night – do not feel safe any more,
  • anti-social behaviours are in rocket-high,
  • small businesses are suffering,
  • people are struggling with GP and hospital appointments,
  • green spaces in Ilford South, Redbridge are vanishing month by month,
  • parents are not getting proper support and education for their children,
  • roads are dirty, full of potholes,
  • young generations are not getting the right jobs nor getting paid enough with their gained degrees or experiences,
  • and many other local issues

“Being a working class person and working on various community issues for many years, I understand people and their issues, and challenges”

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

I strongly believe Ilford South constituency residents deserve a modern, beautiful and lawful constituency under a strong, visionary MP’s leadership. I will work day and night to solve your issues if I am elected by your valuable mandates at the next General Election.

My main pledges are to

  • Scrap ULEZ, ditch LTNs and 20mph zones
  • Cut crimes on knife, anti-social behavior, women’s safety and others
  • Invest more to build affordable housing
  • Invest more to support local businesses
  • Invest more and provide better public services applying modern technology (AI) driven solutions to have efficient policing, NHS GP and hospital appointments and other services
  • Invest more to support the most vulnerable residents in Redbridge
  • Bring policies and strategies to provide more jobs with higher salary for the young generations and their hard working families
  • Invest and build world class university in Redbridge
  • Invest and build more grammar schools for both boys and girls
  • Upgrade schools from Good to Outstanding
  • Invest more to protect green spaces
  • Invest to provide free mobile gyms for young generation and financially insolvent residents
  • Invest to provide free mobile learning hubs for the residents

Being a working class person and working on various community issues for many years, I understand people and their issues, and challenges. I will ensure Ilford South residents’ voices are being heard at Westminster. 

I will be working day and night with your issues. You will always get an appropriate answer on your issues over email or call within an hour.

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

You can find out more about Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/.  You can email me at [email protected] and follow me on Facebook at Reform UK Ilford South and Twitter at https://twitter.com/rajmasudforhad.

Jane Duckworth, Reform UK candidate for Milton Keynes North

Jane Duckworth is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Milton Keynes North.  We spoke with Jane about her decision to stand.

“I have local knowledge of businesses and the community gives me confidence that I’m a good candidate for the area”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Jane Duckworth 56 years of age have 2 daughters 1 grandson. I have lived in Milton Keynes most of my life as a Dairy Farmer’s wife & Business Owner.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

The opportunity arose for me to stand in Milton Keynes north as I have lived and farmed there for many years. I have local knowledge of businesses and the community gives me confidence that I’m a good candidate for the area.

“most of the decisions made by government have impacted on my businesses. This has given me an insight into political decision making – or lack of it”

You’re the Spokesman for Milton Keynes North what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I have always had an interest in politics as most of the decisions made by government have impacted on my businesses. This has given me an insight into political decision making – or lack of it – which I’ve become more and more concerned about the elderly in the communities since working for a local care company. It saddens me to see the way they are being treated with utter contempt by our serving politicians, along with the general withdrawal of our local services all for every increasing taxes.

“Bus routes taken out of service, tv licences stopped. We are creating an isolated and lonely existence for our aging population”

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

Due to lack of local funding services such as the The Warm space or The Coffee meets for our elderly have been closing. Bus routes taken out of service, tv licences stopped. We are creating an isolated and lonely existence for our aging population. Homeless in Milton Keynes is getting worse our charities are at breaking point. Food banks have become a necessity for families to survive. How is this permitted to happen in the 21 Century. A slow erosion of our services!

We must change this.

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

I am greatly appreciative of any help and should anyone wish to be involved I can be contacted either by email or through Facebook links below:-

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/jane.duckworth22

Dave Holland, Reform UK candidate for Mid Bedfordshire

We interviewed Dave Holland when he stood for Reform UK in the recent Mid Bedfordshire by-election.  We spoke with Dave as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the general election.

“From the moment that Nadine Dorries first resigned (without technically resigning) we hit the ground and in total campaigned daily for 4 and a 1/2 months!”

You stood in the 2023 Byelection in Mid Bedfordshire what surprised you most about standing and what did you learn from it?

The Mid Bedfordshire by-election was unusual because campaigning went on for so long. From the moment that Nadine Dorries first resigned (without technically resigning) we hit the ground and in total campaigned daily for 4 and a 1/2 months! By the time the election was actually called we were all running on empty and talking to the other candidates they were similarly exhausted. It was a trial of endurance.

As a Party much has changed for Reform UK in the 4 months since Mid Bedfordshire. Our two party system makes it incredibly hard for new entrants to break through but we believed from the 40,000 doors we knocked that we had more support than we ended up actually achieving. The last week of the campaign saw our competitors move up through the gears and we struggled to be able to compete with them. They spent the last week phoning their voters to garner their support and this ate into our base. 

We don’t have the data to be able to compete, nor the manpower and resources. We are growing rapidly and building data as we go.

I discovered that in many instances on the doorstep, people will tell you how they feel and indicate that they will vote for you, but that that doesn’t always materialise at the ballot box.

We also struggled for column inches in the main stream press. In time we will overcome this handicap, but it is a significant deficit for us.

“I am standing because when the Tories left me I had no one to vote for. Someone has to stand up for another way, a better way”

For those that don’t know you, can you introduce yourself and Reform UK as a party.

Reform UK are a broadly Centre Right Party, with small c conservative policies and beliefs, wrapped up in compassion for the lowest paid in society. We don’t really relate to the old left / right political definitions of parties. We are more the party of common sense, drawing from both sides of the spectrum with policies that will improve the standard of living for everyone. We believe in low tax, fiscal responsibility, secure borders and a strong military. 

I never intended to be a politician. I am standing because when the Tories left me I had no one to vote for. Someone has to stand up for another way, a better way. So I threw my hat in the ring and here I am. Standing up for ordinary, hard working people who have been at the back of the queue in the UK for too long.

“Mid Bedfordshire has seen more than its share of new housing in the last decade, but without any infrastructure services to support all those new residents”

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

Mid Bedfordshire is geographically quite large, but rural. We have two towns and many villages and hamlets. We no longer have a single bank branch in Mid Bedfordshire. The constituency is also struggling with a lack of GPs and dentists. Our roads are a disgrace with pot holes everywhere. Bedford and Luton dominate our police resources so we very rarely see any police except for driving up and down the A6 between the two.

Mid Bedfordshire has seen more than its share of new housing in the last decade, but without any infrastructure services to support all those new residents. This results in the standard of living dropping for existing residents as they struggle for school places, operations, GP appointments, dental appointments etc. 

People in Mid Bedfordshire feel helpless, that their living standards have dropped and no one seems to care.

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

We are always happy to see volunteers eager to help us. You can find out more and get in touch via either www.dave-holland.co.uk or my Reform UK page https://www.reformparty.uk/mid-bedfordshire-constituency.  You can also find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reformukmidbedfordshire/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/midbedsreformuk.

India: A democracy rising.

By Mike Swadling

“the world’s largest democracy and country, India is going to the ballot box”

With a 20 mile stretch of golden sand, a shallow continental shelf allowing you to walk far into the Arabian Sea, a dry heat and beach bars every few hundred yards my spot in Goa wasn’t a place to be thinking about politics.  

However, go about a mile inland and flags, boards and posters start to pop up for the Aam Aadmi Party, the Revolutionary Goans Party, Congress, a selection of BJP candidates, and even graffiti about the Portuguese (Goa used to be a Portuguese colony).  As well as a likely general election in the UK and the Presidential election in the US, the world’s largest democracy and country, India is going to the ballot box.

No signs of revolution on the beach as long as the Peoples Lager kept flowing.

“The Indian National Congress is the traditional party of power in India having held the position of Prime Minister for 54 of the 77 years since independence”

The election is dominated by two main groups the BJP led ‘National Democratic Alliance’ and Congress led ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’.  The Indian National Congress is the traditional party of power in India having held the position of Prime Minister for 54 of the 77 years since independence.  The Bharatiya Janata Party (Indian People’s Party) was formed in 1980 and is the current party of power being led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Whilst no Pakistani PM has ever completed a full-term, India has had many peaceful transitions of power.  Not that India has been devoid from political violence, far from it.  But this is a nation of 780 spoken languages (23 official), from four major language families, with 1.4 billion people, and 5 religions with over 8 million followers, it is amazing India functions as a democracy at all.  For all its challenges function it does.

Not often you see anti-Portuguese graffiti.

I turned to Nimit Shishodia to explain some of the main differences between the main party’s:

BJP

  • Right-wing ideology: Aligned with Hindutva, a Hindu nationalist ideology, emphasizing cultural nationalism and a strong central government.
  • Economic focus: Leans towards privatization and economic liberalization, attracting support from sections of the middle class and business community.
  • Social positions: Often takes conservative stances on social issues, appealing to traditional values and rural communities.

Congress

  • Centre-left ideology: Advocates for secularism and social welfare programs, historically drawing support from diverse groups, including minorities and lower-income populations.
  • Economic approach: Promotes a mixed economy with government intervention in key sectors, appealing to working-class voters and some sections of the middle class.
  • Social positions: Generally, takes more progressive stances on social issues, aligning with urban and younger demographics.

Important Caveats:

  • Both parties have diverse internal factions with varying viewpoints.
  • Their policies and stances evolve over time and in response to political realities.
  • There’s significant overlap in their voter bases, with both parties drawing support from various social and economic groups.

Nimit’s last point that “There’s significant overlap in their voter bases, with both parties drawing support from various social and economic groups” is perhaps the most significant.  Functioning democracies require people to be able to change who they are voting for, not just vote based on identity.

“Modi is widely expected to win again”

The election will take place between April and May to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) each coalition has 20+ party’s.  The country has 8 recognised national parties, 55 state parties, and 2,597 unrecognised parties.  It’s fair to say everyone has a point of view.  Modi is widely expected to win again.  I wrote briefly about a debate at the Battle of Ideas on Indian Politics, giving lots of background in an easily digestible way, you can listen to it at: Understanding Modi’s India – Battle of Ideas.

“I want the 5th biggest economy, and most populous country to be democratic and free”

“the people of India benefit from that basic enabler of liberty the ability to ‘kick the buggers out’”

Why does all this matter?  Democracy’s support and advance human freedom, something we should all want.  Democracies promote general economic growth and their citizens wellbeing, and democracies don’t tend to ever go to war with each other.  In a world reverting to a more multi polar state, quite apart from the benefits to its own people, I want the 5th biggest economy, and most populous country to be democratic and free.

We should all be thankful this massive country and significant power is a democracy and the people of India benefit from that basic enabler of liberty the ability to ‘kick the buggers out’ when the party of power no longer meets the people’s needs. 

Nick Davies, Reform UK candidate for North Bedfordshire

Nick Davies is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North Bedfordshire.  We spoke with Nick about his decision to stand.

“despite government statistics, crime appears to be on the increase in Bedfordshire, especially Burglary and breaking into commercial vehicles”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Nick Davies and as a member of Reform UK and as a prospective parliamentary candidate, my aim is to fight the Conservative and Labour parties in the coming election. They have both had their chance at improving life for the British people and have both failed miserably. In fact, they have only made things a whole lot worse and shown a flagrant disregard for the will of the people.

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

I have lived in North Bedfordshire for five years, and If elected, I will listen to and act positively on the concerns of the people of North Bedfordshire, notably, unnecessary housing developments in villages, potholed roads which not only damage vehicles but are extremely dangerous, in particular to cyclists and motor cyclists, especially during night time.  Also, despite government statistics, crime appears to be on the increase in Bedfordshire, especially Burglary and breaking into commercial vehicles. This, of course, is not only a local problem, but crime, including knife crimes, murder and rape are a serious national problem.

“How many times have we heard of serious offenders being released only to commit further heinous crimes. We are constantly told, “lessons will be learned,” they never are!”

As a nation, we have so many issues that need addressing most urgently. I’ve already mentioned serious violent crime, but the justice system as a whole needs total reform, with tougher sentences, as do parole boards. How many times have we heard of serious offenders being released only to commit further heinous crimes. We are constantly told, “lessons will be learned,” they never are! I vow to fight for proper justice and reformation of the entire system, including judges.

The unsustainable influx of immigrants, legal and illegal is unacceptable. We must leave the ECHR with immediate effect and reform the Border Force. No illegal immigrants should ever be allowed to set foot on British soil. They are breaking the law plain and simple and must be stopped.

In conclusion, I will fight for the British people and the British way of life and its culture. Wokeism has no place in our society.

” volunteers are absolutely essential to our cause, so please, if you can offer help in delivering leaflets or making a donation”

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

We must get the message of Reform UK to voters. To do this, volunteers are absolutely essential to our cause, so please, if you can offer help in delivering leaflets or making a donation, it will be greatly appreciated.

You can contact me using the methods below. Thank you.

Richard Langridge, Reform UK candidate for Witney

Richard Langridge is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Witney.  We spoke with Richard about his decision to stand.

“I have been a Councillor here for 16 years as a District Councillor and County Councillor. I have loved every minute of it. It is fantastic being able to help people in a huge number of ways”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Richard Langridge, and I am the PPC for Reform UK in the Witney Constituency. I live in Witney with my Wife, Alexandra, and have lived in the Constituency all my life. I have run my own Accountancy business for the last 27 years.

I have been a Councillor here for 16 years as a District Councillor and County Councillor. I have loved every minute of it. It is fantastic being able to help people in a huge number of ways, and also helping shape the area that you live in.

During most of my time as a District Councillor, I served on the Council’s Cabinet with roles including Leisure and Tourism, Economic Development, Environmental issues and Finance.

I was a Conservative Councillor for a lot of my time, but became an Independent for the last 5 years as I realised that The Conservative Party could no longer be said to be Conservative in any meaningful sense. Being Independent also meant that I could serve my residents without having to conform to Party diktats and policies.

I was also the Conservative Constituency Chairman here, working closely with our Member of Parliament, David Cameron, whilst he was Prime Minister. This was a fascinating experience, and I learned so much about the Constituency, and working at a high level of Government. I was also lucky enough to go to Number 10 and Chequers.

“I am a passionate believer in Freedom – both free speech and the ability to get on with our lives, unfettered by the State. Freedom is not a given- you have to continually fight for it”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

It has become clear to me that the Conservatives no longer stand for the values I believe in. I was a lifelong Conservative, but, like many, they no longer represent the views and ethos that they did in the past. I am afraid you can no longer tell Labour and the Conservatives apart in many ways.

In my opinion, Parliament has become undemocratic and totally detached from the views of the majority of people it is meant to serve.

Debate has been shut down in so many areas such as climate and appallingly, Covid and the dreadful consequences of unneeded lockdowns that were forced on us with no debate permitted. This all powerful state control is a huge danger to all of us.

In particular, I am a passionate believer in Freedom – both free speech and the ability to get on with our lives, unfettered by the State. Freedom is not a given- you have to continually fight for it.

Only Reform UK stands for the Freedom I believe in, and has the Policies our Country so desperately needs, and only Reform UK can take our Country out of the mess it is currently in.

I believe that Reform UK have the values, ethics and policies to take our Country forward into a positive and exciting future – a Country that values traditions and history, alongside a strong sense of diversity and inclusivity, with a love of Liberty alongside responsibility. 

Our Country desperately needs a change from the socialist light consensus and “woke” ideology that has strangled Britain. Only Reform UK has the vision and determination to bring this about.

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

I have lived in the Constituency all my life and feel very strongly that it is important to represent the area you know and care about.

Having been David Cameron’s Constituency Chairman here, I think it is interesting that I would now represent Reform UK. I should be one of the last people to change to Reform from the Tories, and it underlines how far the Conservatives have fallen.

“all areas are suffering from the cost of living crisis brought about by the Government’s failed Economic policies and their unquestioning dash for net zero- whatever the consequences for people’s lives”

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

Of course, all areas are suffering from the cost of living crisis brought about by the Government’s failed Economic policies and their unquestioning dash for net zero- whatever the consequences for people’s lives. We must return to a high growth/low tax economy and start to have an honest discussion about climate change, and the truth behind it.

Housing is a massive issue here. Of course we need housing, but it must be in the right place and have broad local support. It should be primarily for local people to live in.

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

You can find out more about Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/.  I would be absolutely delighted to hear from anyone who wants to get involved in my Campaign. I can be contacted on [email protected] and on Facebook at ReformUK Witney.

Shaun Long, SDP Candidate for Penrith and Solway

Shaun Long is the SDP prospective candidate for Penrith and Solway.  We spoke with Shaun about his decision to stand.

“As for higher education, well, I’m glad to be out of it; it’s become too politicised, as has the whole of the public sector”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I live in the Eden Valley where I work as an English tutor. I’ve had a wide variety of jobs over the years, from window cleaning to factory work and higher education, and have never taken anything for granted as you never know what life might throw at you. As for higher education, well, I’m glad to be out of it; it’s become too politicised, as has the whole of the public sector. Outside of work, I enjoy wandering the fells with my wife, and dabbling with creative writing. I’m also a local parish councillor.

“Without the nation-state there can be no democracy, and the SDP believes wholeheartedly in both, unlike the establishment parties”

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

Like most people, I assumed until a couple of years ago that the SDP was dead and buried until I stumbled upon its website and read its ‘New Declaration’. I was blown away, for here was a document, and a party, articulating my views on what should be our economic and social priorities. It chimes perfectly with my positions on all of the major political issues: an interventionist approach to the economy; an end to mass immigration; the assertion of national sovereignty in defiance of globalism; a robust defence of free speech; and a rational social conservatism. Without the nation-state there can be no democracy, and the SDP believes wholeheartedly in both, unlike the establishment parties which believe in open borders.

Politicians these days act as if the people are accountable to them, rather than them to the people. I’m determined to put the everyday concerns of the majority ahead of those of either elite interests or shrill pressure groups.

You’re the spokesman for Penrith and Solway. What’s made you decide to represent this area?

I have my home here, and I love it. I want to see this constituency and its people thrive, rather than merely survive. So far as I can see, none of the establishment political parties possess any real concern for the area.

“Both central government and the two local councils are determined to drive through Net Zero policies without taking into account the realities of heating older rural homes”

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

Many of them are the same as for people elsewhere – the cost of living, housing and immigration – but some are more specific to Penrith and Solway. Much of the constituency is rural, and thus many homes are off-grid. Both central government and the two local councils are determined to drive through Net Zero policies without taking into account the realities of heating older rural homes which are not suitable for heat pumps. Boilers fuelled by oil or LPG, or sometimes solid-fuel stoves, are essential for domestic heating. Even so, these authorities are determined to phase them out, whereas I am determined to fight for their continued and affordable usage. Excess cold, not heat, causes early deaths and illness in Cumbria.

Similarly, I wish to champion Cumbrian farming, particularly livestock farming, which is also coming under attack from our political class at the national and local levels, obsessed as it is with its pursuit of Net Zero at all costs to the detriment of food production. It’s dangerous and wrongheaded, and undermines rural livelihoods and communities. Cumbrian beef and lamb are second to none. Our farmers need our active help and support.

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

You can find out more about the SDP at https://sdp.org.uk/.

If you would like to get involved with the SDP campaign in Penrith and Solway, or have any issues that you’d like to discuss, then please do contact me at: [email protected].

You can also follow me on X – @sdpShaun.

Rachel Hayton, SDP candidate for Carlisle

Rachel Hayton is the SDP prospective candidate for Carlisle.  We spoke with Rachel about her decision to stand.

“I have been involved in civil society locally, serving as a magistrate for 19 years and leading a small community choir in Talkin”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Rachel Hayton, I am the wife of Paul, mother of Tim and Charlie and step mum to Jennie and Will. I live in Faugh and have been in and around the Brampton area since 2001. I came to Carlisle as a single woman in 1995 to join the Careers Service. I am originally from Staffordshire and it is possible to catch the occasional Midlands twang in my accent. I retrained in the early 2000s through the Open University and Newcastle University and have worked full time as an Educational Psychologist since 2009.

I have been involved in civil society locally, serving as a magistrate for 19 years and leading a small community choir in Talkin.    

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

I found myself politically homeless after the referendum in 2016.  I like the SDP policies. I support the focus on security, food security, energy security, national security and secure borders. I like the hopefulness that the SDP has for ordinary people; that if given a level playing field with nationally owned infrastructure, we can build opportunities in our communities that will benefit everyone.

I hate the cronyism and corruption that seems to be endemic in our politics at the moment, I don’t trust those governing for the vocal minorities and vested interests, lobby groups and global corporations.

“I am proud to be British, I love our history, our belief in freedom of expression, fairness and tolerance”

I believe that a whole swathe, possibly a majority, of British people has no one prepared to speak up for Britian’s accomplishments in the world. I am proud to be British, I love our history, our belief in freedom of expression, fairness and tolerance and our quirkiness.

I agree with the SDPs policies and feel that they offer hope for the future for our young people, for families and for people who still believe that they will be treated fairly by their elected representatives. The SDP prioritises the views of the electorate and not lobby groups, trades unions or unelected supranational bodies. I believe that this is democracy.  

“I met my husband in Carlisle queuing for lunch at Cecil’s Treat in Cecil Street, my children went to schools in the constituency; Castle Carrock and William Howard”

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

I have lived in this area longer than I have lived anywhere else, (almost 30 years), and I love it here. I met my husband in Carlisle queuing for lunch at Cecil’s Treat in Cecil Street, my children went to schools in the constituency; Castle Carrock and William Howard; one completed an apprenticeship through Carlisle College and the other is still at university. I have a grandchild in Longtown. I may be an ‘off-comer’ but I am embedded within the constituency. Social Democrats are committed to supporting the family, community and nation, I want to offer the people of Carlisle the opportunity to choose to vote for someone who is not part of the LibLabConGreen uniparty, who will listen to them and represent their views openly and honestly.

“We need young people to stay and grow our community with entrepreneurial ideas and contributing to society”

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

I see the decline of the city centre in Carlisle- shops have closed down and businesses moved out leaving empty unsightly buildings. At the moment there is a lot of cosmetic redevelopment going on around the station and the city centre but what is being done to attract people into the city? I would want to support and challenge the city council and county council to bring the city back to life. We also need to work to provide homes, jobs and training opportunities for young people and families who want to make Carlisle their home. Often these are people who grew up here but cannot find appropriate work or housing and have to look further afield. We need young people to stay and grow our community with entrepreneurial ideas and contributing to society. 

Although the constituency is ‘Carlisle’ there are also other towns; Brampton and Longtown with their own identities and their own concerns. I would like to hear from residents about the issues they face. Similarly for our villages and rural areas, Carlisle is a mixed constituency and the MP needs to work for everybody.

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

The SDP does not have big corporate donors, we rely on people joining our party and, if you can, making small donations. If you would like to find out more about us visit www.sdp.org.uk to see our policies and read our New Declaration. Please do get in touch with me [email protected] if there’s anything you think I should be focusing on or if you would like to offer help in the forthcoming general election campaign.