With local elections here in Croydon in May, we speak with Angus MacDonald, Reform UK candidate for Old Coulsdon.
“I was born in London and spent my early years in Streatham. I have been a resident in the Coulsdon/Purley area for the last 46 years”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I was born in London and spent my early years in Streatham. I have been a resident in the Coulsdon/Purley area for the last 46 years and married for 52 years with two grown up children & 4 grandchildren.
Recently retired, I am a Chartered Consulting Engineer and worked in the construction industry I established my own Consultancy Practice in 1988 based in Sutton and latterly in the borough of Croydon.
“I have watched from the sidelines with dismay the gradual decline of the borough of Croydon”
What do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?
I have watched from the sidelines with dismay the gradual decline of the borough of Croydon under various administrations decaying from a forward-looking modern town centre built largely in the 60’s, to be reduced to an indebted, shadow of its former glory as a thriving centre of commerce. The incompetence of previous administrations has led to vast debts which will probably never be repaid, leaving local council taxpayers on the hook for significant debt repayments far into the future.
I am now, both angered and saddened by the state of the borough and I have reached to point at which I feel I have to do something to arrest the decline and be an active participant in rebuilding the borough. I believe a Reform administration can make a material difference to the direction Croydon must take.
I now have the time and energy to put something back into Croydon and hitherto under the two-party system, saw nothing to choose between them. I have been inspired by the advent of a 3rd force in politics, with an agenda for real change and a break with the past.
The new energy that is apparent, both in the new party and the population at large will enable us to inject new perspectives into the debate and have a material impact on people’s lives in the borough.
“both angered and saddened by the state of the borough and I have reached to point at which I feel I have to do something to arrest the decline”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
With local elections here in Croydon in May, we speak with Susan Millward, Reform UK candidate for Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood.
“I would like to see our area of London cleaned up and restored to how I remember it some years ago”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I am 72 years old, was born in Camberwell, grew up in East Dulwich, moved to Croydon around 45 years ago.
Worked from age 16 to 60 years old, secretarial and administration roles, one of which was as secretary to the Head Postmaster of Croydon. I am married to Roger and am now his main carer. I enjoy travelling and socialising with friends, gardening and chatting with neighbours.
I would like to see our area of London cleaned up and restored to how I remember it some years ago.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
With local elections here in Croydon in May, we speak with Alicia Bunn, Reform UK candidate for Shirley North.
“having lived across the UK and abroad, I’ve seen how much difference safe, green, welcoming neighbourhoods make to families and communities”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
My family roots in Croydon go back to my grandmother’s generation, and although I only moved here eight years ago, the borough quickly became an important part of my social and working life. I both live and run my design practice here, and having lived across the UK and abroad, I’ve seen how much difference safe, green, welcoming neighbourhoods make to families and communities.
“My focus is on improving wellbeing and day-to-day life: safer, better-managed streets”
What do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?
Shirley North should be a place where people feel safe, take pride in where they live, and see their area properly supported — with council tax spent where it makes a real difference.
From speaking to residents, it’s clear that people want safer streets, well-maintained public spaces and a stronger sense of community — both locally and across Croydon, including a town centre that feels safer, more welcoming and better managed, without Shirley North being overlooked.
I run a Croydon-based design practice and bring experience delivering large-scale projects in the UK and internationally. My work has involved managing budgets, coordinating teams and delivering complex projects – giving me a practical understanding of how to turn ideas into real improvements.
My focus is on improving wellbeing and day-to-day life: safer, better-managed streets; real investment in green spaces and the high street; and housing that raises standards while protecting what people value – creating a place where everyone, including women, children and older residents, feels secure and supported.
I’m standing to listen, represent and deliver real improvements for local residents.
Drawing on my experience delivering complex projects, my priorities are:
Safer Communities, Tackling Crime – Cracking down on crime and anti-social behaviour while improving everyday safety across streets, public spaces and the town centre — so residents feel secure and confident where they live.
Pride in Place, Putting Residents First – Investing in green spaces, public areas and the high street to create well-designed, usable places – with better facilities and spaces that naturally bring people together.
Better Housing, Higher Standards – Improving housing quality, tackling poor conditions, and supporting well-designed homes that make best use of space, deliver real value, and respect the character of the area.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
With local elections here in Croydon in May, we speak with Brian Putman, Reform UK candidate for Selhurst.
“Reforming Croydon Council cannot wait. Croydon Council too often doesn’t get the basics right”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
Hello, my name is Brian. I am an English Christian who has lived in Selhurst since 2011 and married a Nigerian woman in South Norwood in 2015. I am a law graduate and a qualified counsellor.
I am standing for Reform to represent and serve residents of Selhurst in the 2026 local elections.
What do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?
Reforming Croydon Council cannot wait. Croydon Council too often doesn’t get the basics right, for instance the website croydon.gov.uk remains much it was when originally registered. It is close to unusable for many residents.
I will work with Council Cabinet members and staff to redesign a functional and modern website that is accessible and effective for Croydon residents and visitors. I have personal experience in using Croydon Council’s housing services and dispute resolution procedures. My professional life has included automation of financial services contracts, reducing costs by 30% and ensuring absolute data integrity.
Croydon Council needs to be reformed to work for residents.
Elect me, Brian Putman for Reform UK to represent the residents of Selhurst Ward in May 2026.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
May 2026 sees Scottish Parliament elections with seats being offered both for constituencies and regional lists. We speak with Lukasz Furmaniak, Scottish Libertarian Party candidate, Central Scotland and Lothian regional list.
“I was looking for a force that could stop that ever growing bureaucracy and control over our lives”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I am a Pole living in Scotland for about 14 years. Over a year ago I joined the Scottish libertarian party as I was looking for a force that could stop that ever growing bureaucracy and control over our lives that I have noticed for quite some time now. I went for one meeting and immediately felt that I had found home. Our party is the only real alternative to what we have now.
You’re the prospective candidate for Central Scotland and Lothian West regional list, what are the major concerns in the area?
The concerns of the area are the same as the concerns nationwide. Hurdles put in our way by the government, the more lucrative business type the more you will need to spend first to be able to start it in the first place. For example, try to open an energy supplying business.
“Making it easier to start a business, getting rid of some licences, permissions and corresponding to them bodies”
What do you see as the major issues that if elected you hope to champion?
There are so many things here that it is hard to choose. But as I mentioned just a moment ago, I think our main focus should be on broadly understood bureaucracy. Making it easier to start a business, getting rid of some licences, permissions and corresponding to them bodies. Second important fight is to get the government budget balanced.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
With local elections across much of the country in May, we speak with long term friend of the Croydon Constitutionalists, Mal McDermott of the Libertarian Party. Mal is running as a candidate for the Wishing Tree ward of Hastings Borough Council.
“I have decided to run as there is a need for some kind of fiscal oversight in local government”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’m Malachy McDermott, a financial analyst and former treasurer and London Group Leader of LPUK. I have decided to run as there is a need for some kind of fiscal oversight in local government and a need to deliver on meaningful projects and cut out the fluff.
What are the main concerns in your ward and if elected what wider issues do you hope to champion?
I’m running in St Leonards-on-Sea in the Wishing Tree ward. I’d like to see an improvement to our roads which have been wildly neglected as of late. On top of that I would like to act as a people’s fiscal watchdog, keeping them informed of how their money is being spent. Transparency and Fiscal Responsibility are the key components of my campaign. Although the current finances look okay, under the hood there is a lot more that needs to be done to make the area financially secure.
“I’d like to see an improvement to our roads which have been wildly neglected as of late”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
May 2026 sees Scottish Parliament elections with seats being offered both for constituencies and regional lists. We speak with Cameron Milne, Scottish Libertarian Party candidate, West of Scotland regional list.
“I’m standing because people deserve to know there is a real alternative – one that trusts individuals”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’ve been a member of the Scottish Libertarian Party for nearly six years. Libertarian ideals are lacking in Scotland, but they are clearly wanted by many. Our principles are simple: the right to freedom and the right to life.
I’m standing because people deserve to know there is a real alternative – one that trusts individuals, not systems, and puts responsibility back where it belongs.
“The Scottish Libertarian Party is the ONLY party offering something genuinely different”
You’re the prospective candidate for West of Scotland regional list, what are the major concerns in the area?
As a candidate for the West of Scotland regional list, the biggest concern I hear is simple—nothing ever really changes.
Every election cycle brings the same promises and the same disappointment. People feel stuck, with no real alternative on the ballot. The Scottish Libertarian Party is the ONLY party offering something genuinely different.
“Right now, the system rewards spending more, not saving. That has to change”
What do you see as the major issues that if elected you hope to champion?
If elected, I will focus on bringing accountability back to public spending.
Right now, the system rewards spending more, not saving. That has to change. This is the public’s money, and it should be treated with respect. I’ll push to get waste under control and ensure value for every pound spent.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
May 2026 sees Scottish Parliament elections with seats being offered both for constituencies and regional lists. We speak with Calum Paul, Scottish Libertarian Party candidate, Mid Scotland and Fife regional list.
“I don’t feel the other candidates are qualified to make decisions for me, so I stand and vote for myself.”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’m a local musician and filmmaker from Kirkcaldy Scotland and former Kirkcaldy business owner. I am standing because I don’t feel the other candidates are qualified to make decisions for me, so I stand and vote for myself.
“if the government got less involved in the market and funded fewer meddling quangos then businesses would have the freedom to grow”
You’re the prospective candidate for Mid Scotland and Fife regional list, what are the major concerns in the area?
The main concerns of the area are economical, and I think that if the government got less involved in the market and funded fewer meddling quangos then businesses would have the freedom to grow within the area and fewer high streets like Kirkcaldy would see the loss of well-established brands.
“This organisation can barely fix a pothole yet it’s taking more and more of our money every year”
What do you see as the major issues that if elected you hope to champion?
The issues that concern me are freedom and getting the government out of everyone’s way. Fewer fines, fees and taxes, levies and quangos. Everywhere you look there’s ULEZ charge or a parking fine, or an exorbitant tax to drive on unkempt roads. Enough. This organisation can barely fix a pothole yet it’s taking more and more of our money every year.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
May 2026 sees Scottish Parliament elections with seats being offered both for constituencies and regional lists. We speak with Nathan Lumb, Scottish Libertarian Party candidate, Highlands and Islands regional list.
“I am running as a candidate because I believe the people of the highlands deserve a chance at voting for an idea that won’t result in yet more government overreach and overspending”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’m Nathan Lumb, standing for the Scottish Libertarian party in the highlands and islands region this coming election, a region I have lived and worked in my whole life. I am running as a candidate because I believe the people of the highlands deserve a chance at voting for an idea that won’t result in yet more government overreach and overspending.
“the system is rotten to the core and if we don’t push for major change in both the power of the government and people’s relationship with it, we are in for a very bad time indeed”
You’re the prospective candidate for Highlands and Islands regional list, what are the major concerns in the area?
The issues facing the Highlands are the same issues that face the rest of Scotland. A government hell bent on overspending, yet more laws to erode our freedom, a stagnant economy, services that cost us more each year whilst providing less and less and an economic situation that increasingly punishes the working individuals and rewards those who live off the state. Add to this a noticeable shift in the sort of crimes police are investigating (social media posts etc) whilst ignoring actual crimes against person and property and a very grim picture is painted indeed of the state of affairs of this Nation. The issue put simply is too much government, the system is rotten to the core and if we don’t push for major change in both the power of the government and people’s relationship with it, we are in for a very bad time indeed.
“fight against new laws or repeal current ones that go against the core values of freedom of choice and speech such as the hate crime bill , sugar taxes and minimum pricing on alcohol to name but a few”
What do you see as the major issues that if elected you hope to champion?
I see the issues as two-fold what I would see as the ultimate goal of a libertarian and what I if elected can do in the present and now to help people.
The main goal of course would be reducing the overall scope and power of government, reduce spending, fight against new laws or repeal current ones that go against the core values of freedom of choice and speech such as the hate crime bill , sugar taxes and minimum pricing on alcohol to name but a few. I’ve always said that I would consider my role a success if I was able to reduce government size to the point I put myself out of a job.
The main issues I stand for are simple, I would fight tooth and nail to protect individual rights, freedom of speech and choice and to reduce government interference in a individuals life. In a more localised smaller way as one of I worry only a small number of individuals who would hold these values as well I would make it my goal whilst not only to do all I have mentioned above to the best of my ability but also to work tirelessly to make sure the people of the highlands and islands are kept informed of what is happening in parliament through surgeries and social media what is being debated what motions are tabled so that they have a chance to write to MPs to protest and have their voices heard so that politicians are reminded that they are meant to be the servants of the people’s will.
“standing for the Scottish Libertarian party in the highlands and islands region this coming election, a region I have lived and worked in my whole life”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
With local elections here in Croydon in May, we speak with Antony Vundi, Reform UK candidate for Shirley South.
“I decided to stand because I am tired of the repeated letdowns and broken promises from the same crop of Conservative and Labour local politicians”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I grew up in Croydon, attending both primary and secondary school in the borough after moving to the United Kingdom at the age of six, without speaking a word of English. My parents were strong advocates of integrating into British culture, and within approximately three months, I had learned the language—so much so that today, many people are surprised to learn that English is not my first language!
While my parents gave me a great deal of freedom growing up, they also instilled in me the belief that there is no substitute for hard work and self-discipline. That mindset led me to begin working at 16 in a major retail store on Purley Way, even before sitting my GCSEs! I continued working throughout sixth form and later chose a degree apprenticeship, as I wanted to keep earning and gaining practical experience rather than pursue the traditional university route.
That background has shaped who I am today-one of the youngest Solicitors of the Senior Courts of England and Wales.
I decided to stand because I am tired of the repeated letdowns and broken promises from the same crop of Conservative and Labour local politicians. I am frustrated with hearing from scripted career politicians and want to see real, straight-talking, and competent leadership in the Council—people who are focused on running it efficiently and being accountable to the public.
After years of complaining about the lack of such leadership, I asked myself: why not me? Why can’t I deliver the change I want to see? At only 25, I have already beaten the odds in my academic and professional life but I want to take on a new challenge—in the service of ALL the people of Shirley South.
“Motorists in Shirley, in particular, have borne the brunt of these policies. Many have been penalised by LTNs across Croydon that were later ruled unlawful, having been implemented for revenue generation rather than genuine safety concerns”
You’re the prospective candidate for Shirley South ward, what are the major concerns in the area?
Shirley South is defined by the suburban character that so strongly shapes our borough. That is precisely why many residents question why such a sprawling, car-dependent area – poorly served by public transport – appears increasingly hostile to motorists. The nearest Underground station is some seven miles away in Brixton. Policies designed for Inner London simply do not translate well here, particularly when neighbouring Bromley demonstrates that a more balanced approach can maintain equal or better road safety outcomes.
Motorists in Shirley, in particular, have borne the brunt of these policies. Many have been penalised by LTNs across Croydon that were later ruled unlawful, having been implemented for revenue generation rather than genuine safety concerns. A blanket 20mph speed limit has been imposed across the area, often without regard for local context – for example, along stretches such as Shirley Church Road and Oaks Road, where such restrictions appear disproportionate. These policies were introduced under a Labour administration and remained largely unchanged during four years of Conservative control of the Council.
Residents face further frustration when navigating the borough. Attempting something as routine as picking up a family member from East Croydon station can result in fines from a yellow box junction that has generated substantial income for the council, despite growing questions over its legality. Meanwhile, basic road maintenance has been neglected: potholes – most notably in Shirley Hills car park—remain unrepaired, and roads have gone unsalted during winter conditions.
Public transport offers little relief. The ward suffers from limited rail access and inconsistent bus services. Residents have even endured winters without bus stop shelters due to disputes between the council and Transport for London. And, time and again, the long-discussed “bridge to nowhere” at East Croydon station is raised on the doorstep as a symbol of missed opportunities and poor delivery.
“To summarise: Westfield and West Croydon. Both in many ways, symbolise this borough’s failure to grasp the opportunities before it”
More widely what do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?
To summarise: Westfield and West Croydon. Both in many ways, symbolise this borough’s failure to grasp the opportunities before it – despite being one of the largest boroughs in London, itself one of Europe’s leading cities.
Residents in Shirley South tell me they do not feel safe in the town centre. They acknowledge the efforts of the police but say that crime and anti-social behaviour often appear to go unchecked, while issues like littering have become normalised. As a result, some are sadly choosing to shop in nearby Bromley, or even travel as far as Bluewater Shopping Centre, rather than support our own high street.
As a Council, we need to refocus on the basics. No more ill-conceived schemes. No more over-engineered, underused cycle lanes or poorly thought-out road closures. No more speculative developments that fail to deliver for residents. And no more wasting money chasing trends or relying on expensive consultants.
We must get the fundamentals right – and, above all, be honest with residents about our financial position. In my role as Shirley South’s councillor, I will champion a practical, common-sense approach to transport and planning policy, and tackling anti-social behaviour, to help get our borough back on track, for ALL the residents of this ward.
“I grew up in Croydon, attending both primary and secondary school in the borough”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
