Blog

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.

Daniel McNay, SDP candidate for Alyn & Deeside

Daniel McNay is the SDP prospective candidate for Alyn & Deeside in North Wales.  We spoke with Dan about his decision to stand.

“most SDP members will tell you, when asked why they are SDP members, is that they are patriotic, economically left of centre, and strong supporters of free speech”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

Originally from the north east of England, I now live in north Wales where I have now settled with my young family. Before settling down, I spent a number of years in the British army, specifically the infantry, which ensured I was fortunate enough to see a lot of the United Kingdom as well as the wider world. With regards to my own passions and pastimes, my love of football, along with a love/hate relationship with Hartlepool United, would certainly top the list. To move in an entirely different direction, I do have a keen interest in a specific collection of vampire novels, although we are talking more Anne Rice than Stephanie Meyer. I also harbour a strong fascination with human history, from antiquity to the modern world, along with politics itself, which naturally brought me to the SDP.

“Sadly, authoritarian progressivism seems to have taken western society hostage”

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

One thing most SDP members will tell you, when asked why they are SDP members, is that they are patriotic, economically left of centre, and strong supporters of free speech and respectful debate which nurtures the free exchange of ideas. I am no exception. While one major party seems to take pride in ridiculing patriotism, and the other indulges in reckless apathy with regards to the less wealthy portions of society, the SDP proves to be the only party which bridges the gap, thus representing the vast majority of people in the UK.

Sadly, authoritarian progressivism seems to have taken western society hostage. Race, gender, immigration, Coronavirus, climate-change, these are all topics the British public is constantly lectured on, but prohibited from offering any opinion on, other than the opinions pre-approved by the loudest and angriest of Leftists. Leftists who, quite frankly, care little about the aforementioned issues, and care only about hijacking them and using them to push extremist agendas. For anyone who is up to date with the motivations behind groups such as BLM and Antifa, they will require no reminders of the agendas in question.

“a very simple yet very honest reason for wishing to stand for the SDP, is that they are good people”

Also, a very simple yet very honest reason for wishing to stand for the SDP, is that they are good people. I have met many people with many political persuasions in my life, and while I have encountered brashness, arrogance and ego in abundance in these encounters, my interactions with SDP members tend to offer none of that. the vast majority of SDP members are mild-mannered, open-minded and seem to enjoy listening to the beliefs of others as much as they do telling others what they believe. Yet for all their pleasantness and amiability, there is a stubborn courage, and a refusal to do what many people have done already. They won’t allow themselves to be silenced by the threat of false accusations or the sting of extremist rhetoric.

“If by standing, I provide people the chance to vote for a party which represents them, this is a great honour to have”

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

I am choosing to represent this area, simply because this is my home. It is a fantastic place to live, and as with most places in the UK, I know it is made up of hard-working sensible people who are likely frustrated every time they force themselves to vote. Many will reluctantly vote Labour out of habit. I certainly have. Others will vote Conservative through gritted teeth. Most, I am certain, would vote SDP if they were aware of our policies and our values. If by standing, I provide people the chance to vote for a party which represents them, this is a great honour to have.

“being a Welsh constituency, the new 20mph speed limit is understandably proving to be universally unpopular”

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

I believe the concerns for my constituency are largely the same concerns most working people have up and down the country. Of course, being a Welsh constituency, the new 20mph speed limit is understandably proving to be universally unpopular. Additionally, the worrying decision of the Welsh Parliament to ban a particular news channel in order to ‘protect’ its staff, is also concerning. Should governments ever take it upon themselves to protect adults from information and opinions the government in question does not like?

Aside from these matters, the SDP has strong and detailed views on a wide range of issues, which are readily available on our website. Unlike some parties, we are not focussed on one single issue, nor do we ignore any matters which impact the British people.

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

For more information on the party visit our website at https://sdp.org.uk/.

For those wishing to get involved, it is incredibly easy. The first and simplest step is to join the party. You will struggle to find a cheaper party to join, and struggle just as much to find one where the top brass and the average party member interact as frequently and as effectively as the SDP. When you join, you can immediately make an impact.  You can join up at https://sdp.nationbuilder.com.

You can also follow and get in touch via https://twitter.com/SDPCymru and https://twitter.com/SDPhq.  You can contact me on email at mailto:[email protected].

Darren Selkus, Reform UK candidate for Hertsmere

Darren Selkus is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Hertsmere.  We spoke with Darren about his decision to stand.

“Until 2019 I had little interest in politics but became engaged after the result of the 2016 referendum was ignored. I joined the Brexit Party and was selected as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m not a politician and to be honest don’t want to be one. BUT we need change and I’m committed to making it happen.

I’m a British Army veteran, CEO of the UV Group Plc and married with two kids and two dogs. This experience makes up for any inexperience in politics and better to represent and fight for the people of Hertsmere.

Until 2019 I had little interest in politics but became engaged after the result of the 2016 referendum was ignored. I joined the Brexit Party and was selected as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Epping Forest.

“Only Reform UK believes in a small State where we have more control over our own lives. Only Reform UK will end the Net Zero insanity that makes us poorer”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

Like many I’d had enough of the two party system and politicians that say one thing and do another. With nobody to vote for there was only one way of doing something about it.

My views are aligned with Reform UK and they are the leading contender to challenge the Tory/Labour duopoly.

Without Reform UK there is no democracy and no choice. There’s little difference in policy between the Conservatives and Labour. Only Reform UK believes in a small State where we have more control over our own lives. Only Reform UK will end the Net Zero insanity that makes us poorer, less competitive and just exports CO2 emissions to other countries. Only Reform UK will reduce taxes and accelerate growth. Only Reform UK wants to control immigration and will radically reform our public services, including the NHS, to make them fit for purpose.

The fight is now to Change Politics For Good and what I’m here to do.

“Sitting on the border with London the ULEZ extension impacts many in Herstmere and I will fight to get it scrapped”

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

I live in Hertsmere and am very happy to have been appointed the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate.

I look forward to challenging Oliver Dowden MP and holding not only the Conservative Government  but all of the Westminster establishment to account.

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

Sitting on the border with London the ULEZ extension impacts many in Herstmere and I will fight to get it scrapped.

Constituency Representation – I will be available to all constituents and will fight their causes to the best of my ability.

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

Please visit the Reform UK Website at https://www.reformparty.uk/ for more information about the party and you can follow and contact me on Twitter, Facebook, and at [email protected].

You can also find out more about Reform in Hertfordshire at https://reformuk-herts.uk/.

Philip Peers, SDP candidate for Torridge & Tavistock

Philip Peers is the SDP prospective candidate for Torridge & Tavistock in Devon.  We spoke with Philip about his decision to stand.

“Their policies align perfectly with my outlook on life and what I believe would deliver the best future for my family, community and nation”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am pleased to announce my selection as prospective parliamentary candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the Torridge & Tavistock Constituency.  I am a married father of two young children. I am a former town councillor for Tavistock. I work locally for an NHS Trust based in Plymouth and am a director of the estate management company for the estate in which I live.

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

The SDP is a political party with policies that are patriotic, economically left-leaning and culturally traditional. Their policies align perfectly with my outlook on life and what I believe would deliver the best future for my family, community and nation.

“Simply put, this is the community in which I have the greatest stake in. It is my sincere wish for the people of this constituency and neighbouring ones to be the most healthy, prosperous, and fulfilled as they possibly can be”

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

This is the area that I was raised in from the age of 2 years old and continue to live in and raise my own family in. I have strong roots within the community having attended local state primary and secondary schools, worked for local businesses and where my friends and family live. Simply put, this is the community in which I have the greatest stake in. It is my sincere wish for the people of this constituency and neighbouring ones to be the most healthy, prosperous, and fulfilled as they possibly can be. It has been taken for granted by the Conservative Party for too long and become a forgotten land in the halls of Westminster.

“we have 8,500 households on the waiting list for social housing. It’s not just a lack of total numbers though but suitable housing in the right places”

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

Housing, employment and healthcare. These are the big three that will affect just about everyone. We have a chronic lack of housing, in Devon excluding the Unitary authority areas of Plymouth and Torbay we have 8,500 households on the waiting list for social housing. It’s not just a lack of total numbers though but suitable housing in the right places.

There is no coherent strategy for economic development in this part of the country. We lack high skilled, well-paid jobs in a vibrant private sector. This is caused to a great extent by being geographically isolated and lacking the infrastructure to allow for speedy and reliable public or private transport or even rural high-speed broadband. We need central government to form a coherent economic strategy for our region with massive investment in transport infrastructure and connectivity.

Healthcare, we have some of the poorest communities in the nation here with worse than average health outcomes. In the current financial year the NHS allocated the third highest amount of money per head of population to the Southwest ICB’s at £1,536. The formula for calculating this is based on various factors that determine the need of the population, poverty being a high indicator of poor health outcomes and the need for greater funding.  

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

I would ask that any member of the SDP or any citizen concerned with the state of our communities and nation who is based in West Devon to get in touch with me at [email protected].

For more information on the party visit our website at https://sdp.org.uk/. 

Simon Lee, Reform UK candidate for Sevenoaks

Simon Lee is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Sevenoaks.  We spoke with Simon about his decision to stand.

“it is being a father and my rewarding work with other children, that has led me into the political arena to secure a more safe and freer future for them. Reform U.K. seemed the only real choice for me”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Simon Lee and I have been living in Sevenoaks for 11 years now and a frequent visitor to the town before becoming a resident. I am a veteran high performance coach and therapist of over 30 years for children and adults. I have recently written a book called ‘The Courage Project: The Counter Poise To Fear,’ which is a powerful call to courage for men to take responsibility for their society. I am publishing two more books this year. I have three children and it is being a father and my rewarding work with other children, that has led me into the political arena to secure a more safe and freer future for them. Reform U.K. seemed the only real choice for me, due to its complete separation from the authoritarian organisations seeking  to impose their control over the countries of Europe and beyond.

“there is a great concern from the young people about the ideologies drifting into schools, the madness of WOKE culture”

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

Sevenoaks has been a Conservative stronghold for many years but recently the Lib Dem’s won all but one seat in the area. Having spoken to many people in the area, there is a great concern from the young people about the ideologies drifting into schools, the madness of WOKE culture and the looming threat of organisations like the WEF. This appears to be the crossover of concern that both the young and the older generations agree on. There is a general disillusionment with politics in Sevenoaks which is representative of the similar outlook, that has understandable spread throughout the U.K.

I feel it is vital that Sevenoaks and indeed all constituency’s realise that the mainstream parties are all aligned with the likes of the WHO and the WEF who want to remove people’s sovereignty. This is where unwanted policies like digital IDs, Net Zero, 15-minute neighbourhoods, ULEZ and other plans, designed to remove personal freedoms are originating from.

It is now obvious that we don’t have leaders in power but managers, who are compliant and serving the needs of those in power above them.

“The mainstream parties have always encouraged people not to waste their vote and we are now in a situation where voting a mainstream party is the real wasted vote”

If more people realised what this meant to themselves and their children, I believe they would mostly stay clear of such policies and the parties that represent them. The mainstream parties have always encouraged people not to waste their vote and we are now in a situation where voting a mainstream party is the real wasted vote, because we will end up with the organisations they serve in power. This will be at the expense and to the detriment of the British people they are supposed to serve. I am totally against the current coercive, manipulative and forceful government approach and believe true leadership is to earn and represent the trust and will of the people.

Ultimately I will champion looking after the needy and vulnerable in my society and encouraging responsibility for everyone, to protect and nurture the community against any harmful influences and help those in difficult circumstances.

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

Please visit the Reform UK Website at https://www.reformparty.uk/ for more information about the party and you can contact me at [email protected].

Kevan Chippindall-Higgin, Reform UK candidate for Fareham and Waterlooville

Kevan Chippindall-Higgin is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Fareham and Waterlooville.  We spoke with Kevan about his decision to stand.

“Now we are faced with ruin as the direct result of 25 years of socialism.  The national debt is nearly the size of our GDP and has trebled in just 13 years.  That is profligacy on an epic scale.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I was a Conservative Party member until 2014 when I had a problem locally and none of the Conservative councillors, two of whom I knew personally, even bothered to reply to my mail, never mind do anything about it.  I was by then becoming disillusioned with the way the country was going and joined UKIP.

I have worked in a number of disparate industries and represented companies both here and abroad.  I speak French and German.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

UKIP imploded post Brexit and again, when we had quite serious, internal local problems, nothing was done.  UKIP is now irrelevant.

I stood for UKIP in Portsmouth South in 2017 but like so many others, believed in Boris Johnson to stop the rot over Brexit and did nothing in 2019.  That was a big mistake, but then even Nigel Farage was taken in by Boris.

Now we are faced with ruin as the direct result of 25 years of socialism.  The national debt is nearly the size of our GDP and has trebled in just 13 years.  That is profligacy on an epic scale.

“The issues facing Fareham and Waterlooville are the same as many other places.  Soaring costs, moribund wages and ever worsening services to name but a few.”

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

I live in Portsmouth and feel very strongly that an MP needs to live within the community represented.  Fareham is right next door and a 20-minute drive away.  While not actually living in the constituency, being that close is good enough.

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

The issues facing Fareham and Waterlooville are the same as many other places.  Soaring costs, moribund wages and ever worsening services to name but a few.  Our burgeoning population cannot now be properly serviced.  I have seen estimates of some 2 million people living here illegally, on top of the 750,000 who turned up legally in 2022.  The people arriving here illegally by boat are costing us a fortune and we have no idea who they are.

The very first thing we need to look at are those here illegally.  They impose an intolerable strain on the nation’s resources.  Those coming over by boat must be stopped mid Channel.  Those who have failed the asylum process must be sent back.

The next big issue is climate change.  This is simply not happening.  Were the climate changing, we would be growing peaches and oranges in Hampshire.  We do not.  CO2 has been conclusively shown to increase AFTER warming.  CO2 makes up 0.042% of atmospheric gas and is a thus a trace gas.  CO2 is essential to life on earth as it is plant food.  Without plants, all that can survive on Earth would be bacteria.

“the Climate Change Act must be repealed, and work started immediately on extracting nature’s treasure from beneath our feet in order to become as energy self-sufficient as possible”

Pollution is a different issue and certainly, road pollution has been dramatically reduced to virtually vanishing point.  To put this in context, Portsmouth has a clean air zone, but not in areas of rush hour congestion but rather downwind of the harbour entrance.  Maritime engines have nothing like the emissions controls of terrestrial engines and the result is that the southwestern corner of Portsea Island has all the pollution.  It has nothing to do with motor vehicles.

Very simply, the Climate Change Act must be repealed, and work started immediately on extracting nature’s treasure from beneath our feet in order to become as energy self-sufficient as possible.

Law and order is now a complete farce.  The Human Rights Act needs to go so that we can deport those here illegally and foreign criminals as quickly as possible.  We need to de-politicise the police, which means getting rid of Police and Crime Commissioners for a start.  Closing Bramshill (The Police Staff College) should also be a priority and quite possibly clearing out most of the senior officers and cancelling senior fast track recruiting.  It did not work in Trenchard’s day (Hugh Trenchard  Metropolitan Police Commissioner from 1931 to 1935) and it is not working now.  

“Wokeism is the new fascism.  Failure to toe the woke line means job loss.  This is the new intolerance.”

The police must impartially uphold the law.  This means arresting those who shout hateful slogans against Islam as well those doing the same against Jews.  If that means mobilising every copper in the land to break up and deal with hate demos, so be it.  We also need proper sentencing, not the nonsense we have now.  Get caught stealing and into jail you go.

We must also control public spending.  The civil service is now totally bloated and an awful lot of them could be let go and nobody would notice the difference.  Budgets need to be slashed everywhere.  Not military or police but foreign aid and of course all the woke nonsense.  Wokeism is the new fascism.  Failure to toe the woke line means job loss.  This is the new intolerance.  Traditionally, those with differing views and unwise enough to articulate them got a kicking in the car park.  Now they get cancelled.  Both approaches work equally effectively, and this has been the technique of extremists through the ages.

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

Please visit the Reform UK Website at https://www.reformparty.uk/ and for those who wish to join in, I can be contacted via email at [email protected].

Ivan Kinsman, SDP candidate for West Suffolk

Ivan Kinsman is the SDP prospective candidate for West Suffolk.  We spoke with Ivan about his decision to stand.

“I believe that the current duopoly of Conservative and Labour is failing the country, as well as the first-past-the-post electoral system”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am 61 years old and a graduate from The University of St Andrews M.A. Hons.) and Edinburgh University (MBA). I was brought up in the Lake District, later moving to the south-west of England as a teenager and attended Eton College. After my university education in Scotland, I moved down to London, working as a wine salesman, IT and telecoms conference organiser and then website administrator/copywriter for a fund manager prior to moving to Newmarket in Suffolk.

I run my own translation and proofreading business, which I have been doing since 2011 (which also involves a lot of foreign travel).

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

I have a keen interest in politics and current affairs. I believe that the current duopoly of Conservative and Labour is failing the country, as well as the first-past-the-post electoral system. I was persuaded to join the SDP by The New Declaration as well as by listening to the speakers at the party conference in Manchester in 2022. The SDP very much reflects my own political views, which are left of centre on the economy whilst right of centre on cultural and social issues.

“the SDP’s political agenda, focused on family, community and nation, will appeal to voters who live in a county that has a large number of historic towns and large tracts of farmland and countryside”

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

I have a strong association with West Suffolk through living in Newmarket, a town famous for its horseracing (around 3,000 race horses are stabled in and around Newmarket; by comparison, the human population is around 15,000 and it is estimated that one in three jobs are connected to horseracing in one way or another). 

The constituency’s MP is currently the independent Matt Hancock who is standing down at the next election. Although traditionally a Tory constituency, I feel that the SDP’s political agenda, focused on family, community and nation, will appeal to voters who live in a county that has a large number of historic towns and large tracts of farmland and countryside, so most people lead a predominantly rural lifestyle. Nick Timothy will the Conservative PPC but he carries a lot of baggage as the political advisor to Theresa May who, along with Fiona Hill, was held responsible by MPs for the disastrous snap election results called by her.

I regularly attend the EofE SDP meetings, chaired by Michael McGetrick, as well as the party annual conferences.

“The Conservative party has conserved very little but instead – as William Clouston correctly emphasises – put everything up for sale, and it is increasing clear that Labour has abandoned the nation’s working men and women”

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

Jobs, cost of living, housing, public services, energy and immigration are all issues affecting West Suffolk. voters.

Energy: Sunnica Energy Farm, a solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage project in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. West Suffolk Council are currently evaluating a Development Consent Order to the Planning Inspectorate. I am a strong supporter of renewables so am supporting this initiative.

Public services: Suffolk Country council this month (January 2024) has proposed £64.7m in cuts to balance its budget including scrapping funding for the arts, making redundancies and closing two archives’ branches. The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds could have its funding stopped by Suffolk County Council as part of the proposed £500,000 in savings by stopping core funding to art and museum sector organisations from April 2025.

Cost of living/health: West Suffolk also has some poverty hotspots, for example the Howard Estate in Bury St Edmunds has recently been labelled the most deprived ward in West Suffolk with “significantly higher rates of hospital admissions compared to the national average, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), self-harm and alcohol related conditions being some key areas of concern” (Suffolk News, 5.01.24).

My core message will be that the SDP is not a party of the major urban centres like Labour and the Conservatives but focused on strengthening communities. Like in other parts of the country, I am convinced people in West Suffolk believe that the old Labour/Conservative duopoly is harming our nation. The Conservative party has conserved very little but instead – as William Clouston correctly emphasises – put everything up for sale, and it is increasing clear that Labour has abandoned the nation’s working men and women. To preserve what is best in our nation Westminster must change, and as West Suffolk’s MP I will be working hard for my constituents instead of being sucked into the Westminster metropolitan bubble.

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

I require 10 signatures from West Suffolk residents who are on the electoral register so please contact me if you can help with this.

I am focusing initially on digital media activities via Facebook and Twitter/X, and then later local campaigning including leafleting and establishing street stalls. If people are interested in helping out, that would be greatly appreciated.

You can find out more about the SDP at https://sdp.org.uk/ and follow or contact me via:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IvanKinsmanSDP/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IvanKinsmanSDP
Email: mailto:[email protected]

Colin Wright, Reform UK candidate for Wokingham

Colin Wright is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Wokingham.  We spoke with Colin about his decision to stand.

“Reform has a truly Conservative manifesto that I believe relates to the majority of UK voters”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Colin Wright, have lived in Crowthorne/Sandhurst since 1979 and witnessed many changes and challenges throughout that time in the area. My parents worked locally in Broadmoor for many years and I am close to this area having been born in Northern Ireland. My wife was born in Wokingham and the children, David and Keelin locally at Frimley.

Career wise I have set up the European operations of many IT Software companies and spent a lot of my time over past 20 years in European countries most weeks.

“that old saying of “doing things same way for years and expecting different results” spurs me on and seems so apt to our current UK Governing parties”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I guess, like many prospective Reform UK voters we have been left politically homeless by the two major parties, many of us would have been Conservatives who have appeared to have abandoned any genuine Conservative policies. Reform has a truly Conservative manifesto that I believe relates to the majority of UK voters and we need to start to breakdown the 2 party aspect that gives all of us as voters no clear view of any differentiation between the two.

The aftermath of the 2016 referendum was dismal, the first in my adult life and to see the politicians try to overturn at every opportunity saddened me that voters were treated with such disdain, whatever anyone’s thoughts of the result, democracy has to be put first.

Our current Government has squandered all goodwill, ignoring their members and voters, and presenting Labour with an open goal, but one that the normal voter won’t notice any difference, changes occur in every life and context, by having true competition from other more current support political topics can the electorate truly be reflected in a changing UK.

I’m a huge supporter of change in every context, that old saying of “doing things same way for years and expecting different results” spurs me on and seems so apt to our current UK Governing parties.

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

It’s an area I have spent most of my adult life in and around, both work and pleasure, an area that has changed hugely and as a strong Conservative base it would perhaps be an area that feels let down by the Government. In John Redwood the area does have a true Conservative MP, one that looks very isolated in the current party? If we could achieve a point where we elect One, Two, Three MPs then with stamina and momentum/energy we can really start to make inroads to affect positive change and momentum.

“I would never presume to know every issue of the Town and area, but would give 100% time and commitment to assist with the most compelling and identified electorate issues that arise, giving a voice to every single person who needs it, or wants it“

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

Wokingham is an affluent area, there is no argument to that and perhaps a little stronger than many other areas, however the issues that are important will be identified by the electorate. I would never presume to know every issue of the Town and area, but would give 100% time and commitment to assist with the most compelling and identified electorate issues that arise, giving a voice to every single person who needs it, or wants it.

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

Please visit the Reform UK website for more information on the party or contact me at [email protected].

Martin Broomfield, SDP candidate for South Cotswolds

Martin Broomfield is the SDP prospective candidate for South Cotswolds.  We spoke with Martin about his decision to stand.

“I feel very comfortable with the SDP’s strapline:- Family, Community, Nation.  Now semi-retired I have some time to spend on helping the SDP to spread the word”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I grew up in Reading, it was a multicultural town even in the 1970s but unlike today, we all understood and respected our cultural differences and we lived happily side by side, it was a real live and let live environment which I really enjoyed.

I went to a secondary modern school. When I was 16 I started an apprenticeship as a toolmaker and studied for HNC in mech. eng. at Reading Tech.  I worked in various engineering jobs, became a service engineer and eventually got into industrial robotics and CAD design, working in car factories including Ford, Rover, BMW, Volvo and Honda in various European locations.

I have lived in Wiltshire for the last 40 years, I now live to the north of Chippenham with my wife Daisy and two teenage sons.  I also have two grown up daughters living in Australia and Thailand.

I feel very comfortable with the SDP’s strapline:- Family, Community, Nation.  Now semi-retired I have some time to spend on helping the SDP to spread the word.

“the EU was a massively complex, cumbersome organisation that was trying to amalgamate the opinions of 27 different nations, headed up by a top table of unelected bureaucrats”

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

For most of my voting life all of my political knowledge came from the TV and I voted depending on who appealed most from the little that I knew.  Then in 2016 the EU referendum was looming, I realised that this was going to be a really important political event. I also realised that I knew nothing about politics or the European Union, so I set about learning everything I could, about how our political institutions functioned and how the EU was a massively complex, cumbersome organisation that was trying to amalgamate the opinions of 27 different nations, headed up by a top table of unelected bureaucrats. I could see the intention was to make “one size that fits all” decisions and laws, but in reality it seemed the best they ever achieved was “one size that fits nobody”.

My attempts to discuss European pros and cons revealed it was a very emotive subject, but worst of all I constantly heard the BBC telling us we were racist idiots for even wanting to talk about it.  Then move on a few years and I found that questioning the main stream Covid narrative brought on a very similar reaction.  Then came the race and culture wars and lo and behold, it was very difficult to talk about any of that without being called all sorts of names.

“It became apparent that there was a culture of suppressing free speech to allow the propagation of niche ideas that were not good for the majority of the British people”

It became apparent that there was a culture of suppressing free speech to allow the propagation of niche ideas that were not good for the majority of the British people, which frankly horrified me. Being able to discuss every subject openly and freely without emotional bullying or guilt trips is the bedrock of a healthy democracy.

I found that the government in power was actually fuelling this suppression, because it seemed that their policies and actions were at odds with each other and their actions did not stand up to any sort of common sense scrutiny. But they were dead set on the idea that “globalism is the new god” and they were going to expedite pulling down Britain’s borders and forcing this thing on the British people whether they liked it or not.

Net Zero, another globalist idea based on very dodgy data. The government’s solution was to enforce the use of electric only power while simultaneously dismantling our electricity generating capability.  Thankfully I realised that the SDP, who’s name I knew of old, actually had policies that I agreed with.  At last I had found my political home.

“if there was a box that said “None of the above”, that’s where I would put my cross.  Obviously this is not good enough, so I am standing to give voters the opportunity to put a cross by the “SDP”

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

I live in the Kington ward of the South Cotswolds County Constituency.  As may be apparent from my previous answers, I am not a career politician and I am not from any area of influence.  Every time I go to vote, I find the same problem, if there was a box that said “None of the above”, that’s where I would put my cross.  Obviously this is not good enough, so I am standing to give voters the opportunity to put a cross by the “SDP”.

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

One of our main challenges is to somehow force our institutions, councils, NHS, welfare etc. to stick to their core responsibilities and not waste enormous amounts of our money on stuff that most people consider to be irrelevant nonsense.

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

At the moment the SDP name and policies need to be spread to as many people as possible. I think if we can get people familiar with the party’s policies then we will naturally get politically homeless people on board. So spreading website links and getting people aware of us will be key to starting the ball rolling.

You can find out more on our website at https://sdp.org.uk/.

You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and email me at [email protected].

World’s single largest offshore wind farm

Jeremy Wraith writes:

“Danish renewable energy firm Orsted said Wednesday it will build the world’s single largest offshore wind farm off Britain’s eastern coast“

“will demand huge subsidies from UK householders and taxpayers, and which will require a reliable back-up power generation system”

I cannot for the life of me understand the thinking behind the massive wind farm order. This is an intermittent power source, which will demand huge subsidies from UK householders and taxpayers, and which will require a reliable back-up power generation system when it is producing little or no electricity. Apart from being unreliable offshore wind farms are a blight on the landscape and are a massive hazard to bird life. It is also being built by a Danish company which will increase our existing massive total balance of payments deficit with the EU which has already cost us over £2 trillion.

“The alternative is to invest heavily in Rolls Royce SMR’s, which can be operated continuously”

The alternative is to invest heavily in Rolls Royce SMR’s, which can be operated continuously (except for maintenance periods) and which are designed and made in the UK by the world-renowned UK manufacturer. In addition, SMRs provide the same energy output pa at a lower capital cost than wind farms. Also, 370,000 miles of new HV cables and overhead lines, must be installed to connect remote wind and solar farms. The reactors in RN submarines are expected to last for over 30 years, compared with a 20-year typical life span for a wind turbine and 40,000 UK jobs will be created during development & commissioning of SMRs – leaving us independent in spares & back up. Once these are fully developed and operational, they would provide excellent export potential, thereby earning the UK valuable foreign funds.

The proposal suggests a death wish for UK design and manufacturing, a policy shared by many parties.  So, in the next general election please do consider this when voting.

Image: Rob Farrow / Offshore windfarm, Skegness / CC BY-SA 2.0