Category: GE2024

Graham Drage is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Godalming and Ash.  We spoke with Graham about his decision to stand.

“I spent 16 months studying politics in Paris, which opened my eyes to the realities of the “European project”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Graham Drage. I am Guildford / Godalming born & bred, going onto read Politics, International Relations & French at Lancaster University in the late 1980s / early 1990s. As part of my degree, I spent 16 months studying politics in Paris, which opened my eyes to the realities of the “European project”. Today, I remain a passionate, bilingual European (culturally-speaking) and a strident supporter of the new outward-looking opportunities which Brexit presents.

I’ve been self-employed all of my life; working as business consultant for some of the UK’s principal telecommunications and managed services companies. I also setup a small manufacturing business, building wine cellars over a 15-year period, whilst employing a small team of ex-offenders in our workshop in Farnham.

“if the Social Contract is an implicit agreement between the people and their government about what each side provides to the other, the Tories have clearly broken this contract”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I was moved to stand for Reform-UK because I’m acutely concerned about the Tory Party’s move to the left, its steadfast refusal to deliver an honest, conservative agenda and because of the parlous state of British politics generally. I’d describe my political views as right-of-centre, moderate and coherent. I believe in small state, low taxation economies which operate ‘within their means’. As a business owner, I also believe that SMEs are the beating-heart of our economy, providing 16m jobs and accounting for half of the UK’s income.

The Tories have wilfully moved away from conservative policies in recent years, to the extent that they can no longer reasonably be called Conservatives. Moreover, if the Social Contract is an implicit agreement between the people and their government about what each side provides to the other, the Tories have clearly broken this contract. A few quick examples below:

• Implemented a hostile economic environment for small business people
• Imposed the Northern Ireland Protocol / effective annexation of NI to the EU
• Failed to take full advantage of Brexit – abject failure to escape the stagnancy-inducing, anti-competitive regulation of the EU
• Pursued an irrational decarbonisation policy, whilst dishonestly offshoring UK’s heavy industry and carbon footprint
• Wilfully neglected young people – university degree courses now the preserve of the wealthy
• Govt spending completely out of control – public debt ballooning from 40% to 100% of GDP in two decades
• Excessive reliance on 957 undemocratic & unaccountable quangos

Reform-UK is unique in that it’s appealing to people right across the socio economic spectrum, united by common concerns and a love of country. My decision to stand for election with Reform-UK stems from a profound belief that a new approach is required.

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

I grew up in Normandy / Ash area of Surrey and was state-educated in a variety of schools across Guildford & Godalming up until the age of 18. Godalming VI Form College helped me to win a place at university and I purchased my first house on Brighton Road in Godalming. Whilst I now live in Guildford, I have a strong affinity with South West Surrey and retain many friends in the area.

“if I had one extra hour every day to devote to a specific cause, I would focus on undoing some of the anti-business policies which the Tories have introduced and which makes us all as a country so uncompetitive”

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

• NHS waiting lists – 1 in 3 (33%) of constituents waiting six months or more for NHS treatment
• GP appointments inaccessible – almost 6 in 10 people (59%) advise that  friends or family had experienced difficulty in booking a GP appointment and nearly half (47%) struggled to book an appointment themselves. 
• Cost of living – (63%) of local constituents feel their “quality of life is deteriorating” due to the cost of living crisis. 46% of constituents said they’d reduced spending on ‘basic necessities, like food’, while 38% had worried about paying essential bills, like rent or mortgages
• “Vision Zero” Road Safety Strategy –  anti-car policies – car & van drivers under attack on at least 4 fronts, as a result of a culture of “safety at any cost” – creeping, collective targets and limits all set without reference to the people who will be expected to meet them.
• Ongoing attacks on local Small & Medium Businesses (SMEs) – marginal rate of corp tax now reached 26.5%,  VAT threshold freeze, increases in dividend tax,  introduction of off-payroll working rules (i.e. IR35) – all utterly unconservative policies which have made Godalming & Ash (and the UK generally) an extremely challenging place for entrepreneurialism & innovation

Whilst all of these areas need to be addressed, if I had one extra hour every day to devote to a specific cause, I would focus on undoing some of the anti-business policies which the Tories have introduced and which makes us all as a country so uncompetitive.  As stated above, since SMEs are the beating-heart of our economy, providing 16m jobs and accounting for half of the UK’s income, if we can begin to unpick some of the problems created by the “Conservatives”, this would go a long way to generating a more conducive business environment, more jobs and greater disposal income for South West Surrey at large.

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

For residents of Godalming & Ash who are motivated to get involved in our campaign, we would be delighted to receive any help they can provide. Whether this comes in the form of assistance with leafleting and canvassing across our sizeable constituency , a small donation to our GoFundMe fund-raising-initiative or some engagement on our Facebook / Twitter pages, we welcome all involvement, small or large:

Canvassing and Leafleting Support, please email me, Graham Drage, at:  [email protected]
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/9871adf4
Facebook: Reform UK Godalming and Ash
X (Twitter): @ReformGodalming

Andrew Banwell is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Thornbury and Yate.  We spoke with Andrew about his decision to stand.

“My decision to stand for Reform UK was driven by my belief in the party’s principles of democracy, freedom, and accountability”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a dedicated family man, IT engineer, and a long-standing member of the Dyrham and Hinton Parish Council. My diverse career background spans from being a bus and lorry driver to various other roles that have given me a broad perspective on the needs and concerns of people from all walks of life. My commitment to serving the community has now led me to stand as a potential parliamentary candidate for Thornbury and Yate with Reform UK.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

My decision to stand for Reform UK was driven by my belief in the party’s principles of democracy, freedom, and accountability. I feel strongly about the need for genuine reform within our political system to address the challenges facing our nation. Reform UK’s focus on these values aligns with my own vision for a fairer, more prosperous country.

“My decision to represent this constituency stems from a desire to advocate for local interests and ensure our community’s needs are heard and addressed”

You’re the Spokesman for Thornbury and Yate; what’s made you decide to represent this area?

Having lived and worked in and around Thornbury and Yate for many years, I have developed a deep connection to the area and its people. My decision to represent this constituency stems from a desire to advocate for local interests and ensure our community’s needs are heard and addressed at the national level.

“The key concerns for our constituency include improving local infrastructure, enhancing public services, and supporting economic growth to benefit all residents”

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

The key concerns for our constituency include improving local infrastructure, enhancing public services, and supporting economic growth to benefit all residents. I am particularly passionate about addressing healthcare accessibility, education quality, and environmental sustainability. Championing these issues will be my priority, ensuring Thornbury and Yate thrives as a vibrant, inclusive community.

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

Anyone interested in supporting our campaign can get involved in several ways. You can follow us on Facebook REFORM UK (Thornbury & Yate) | Facebook] for updates and events. Additionally, volunteers can email us at [email protected] for more information on how to contribute. Whether it’s through social media engagement, canvassing, or participating in events, every bit of help is greatly appreciated.

Peter Hopper is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for West Suffolk.  We spoke with Peter about his decision to stand.

“I am standing for Reform UK as I despair at the current state of the two main parties, who are, in effect two sides of the same coin”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Peter Hopper and I’m the PPC for Reform UK , representing West Suffolk.

I grew up in Durham and attended a grammar school there before graduating from London University with an honour’s degree.

I am now retired having spent most of my working life in the commercial world. I was Commercial Director of a very large retail company for many years before launching my own international consultancy business.

“For over 30 years I have had and continue to have racehorses and bloodstock breeding interests in the town, and I am a long-term supporter of The National Stud”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I am standing for Reform UK as I despair at the current state of the two main parties, who are, in effect two sides of the same coin.

Under the Tories we have ended up after 14 years with the highest levels of taxation, record immigration (both legal and illegal), net zero madness and massive waste in the public sector.

Expect more of the same under a Labour administration.

We need a re-set of British politics. First past the post makes it very difficult for a new, challenger party like ours, but the more people who vote for us the more likely we are to achieve fair representation in parliament.

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

I have a keen interest in West Suffolk, especially Newmarket. For over 30 years I have had and continue to have racehorses and bloodstock breeding interests in the town, and I am a long-term supporter of The National Stud.

“there are local issues, such as the spread of solar energy farms, the need for re-generation of our high streets, and let’s not forget the potholes!”

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

The major problems facing the people of West Suffolk are the same as those facing the nation, but as ever, there are local issues, such as the spread of solar energy farms, the need for re-generation of our high streets, and let’s not forget the potholes!

Over the next few weeks and months, I will be out and about and listening and learning about local concerns and have already been contacted by a lot of constituents with ideas for change.

The Reform policies are just plain common sense and reflect the views of millions who voted Leave and who yearn for a fair, balanced, inclusive, and rewarding society.

Voters are turning to Reform out of a genuine desire for change.

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

I can be contacted at [email protected].

Alexander Kokkinoftas is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North Somerset.  We spoke with Alexander about his decision to stand.

“I watched the government implode after Brexit, desperately switching leaders and straying further from what they stood for. Not delivering on their own promises and failing the very people who trusted them with their votes”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers

My name is Alexander Kokkinoftas and I have lived in Clevedon, North Somerset since 2018. I was born in Cyprus but moved to the UK due to the enormous amount of educational and employment opportunities. We have always lived by the sea and we chose Clevedon for its magnificent coastline, historical landmarks and the surrounding busy towns and quaint villages. This area is also accessible to major cities in the country. My family comes from Plymouth and Cyprus and we are all staunch patriots when it comes to Great Britain. I am fascinated by my own English heritage, our rich history, landmarks, politics and people and there is no greater joy than to be a part of it all. History was my favourite subject at school and from this my passion for politics was ignited.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

As a potential Conservative voter, I watched the government implode after Brexit, desperately switching leaders and straying further from what they stood for. Not delivering on their own promises and failing the very people who trusted them with their votes. Being the first election I will ever vote in, I decided their policies did not benefit the country, whereas Reform UK offered hope that there was a party that had the policies which could help change our country for the better. For example, Cheaper energy, lower taxes, NHS reform, net zero immigration and overall common sense. The parties strong, committed leaders impressed me with their vision for Great Britain’s future convincing me to join. As there was no candidate for North Somerset, I decided, if there is no-one to give your vote to then you must become that person.

“The biggest concerns are access to healthcare, dental and doctors’ appointments, emergency and out of hours treatment”

You’re the spokesperson for North Somerset, what’s made you decide to represent this area?

North Somerset is my home and a beautiful county. I want to ensure it stays that way. I have always been a strong believer that any change that occurs within an area must be positive for everyone, not just a select few. That’s what Reform is – positive change. Recently, negative, unnecessary changes and disastrous decisions have been made by those who put personal political issues above local issues at huge expense to the taxpayers’. This cannot be tolerated, and I have a strong desire to stand up and support the community.

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

The biggest concerns are access to healthcare, dental and doctors’ appointments, emergency and out of hours treatment. Housing affordability, people going through financial hardships require help. Local businesses and transport services are the lifeline of small communities and need investment. Cutting financial wastage squandering of taxpayers’ money and reducing taxes.

“For all those who share the same vision of a Greater Britain I encourage them to stand up, take part and get involved”

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

For all those who share the same vision of a Greater Britain I encourage them to stand up, take part and get involved in making this country Great. Together we can work to get the word out that this party is going to fix the country’s problems. Volunteers are vital in getting our message out there and are greatly appreciated. Anyone wishing to help can contact me via email – [email protected] and all my social media platforms, Facebook – Alexander Kokkinoftas, Instagram – AlexReformUK, Twitter –@AlexReformUK.

Reginald Chester-Sterne is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for New Forest West.  We spoke with Reginald about his decision to stand.

“I’ve owned several local businesses and still run 2 de-pasture pedigree English Longhorn cattle on the Forest”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

Born in The New Forest and lived here all my life. I’ve owned several local businesses and still run 2 de-pasture pedigree English Longhorn cattle on the Forest. An Engineer by profession, I have worked overseas in 17 different countries managing large projects and diverse workforces.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

Alienated one too many times by the Conservatives. This country needs a change to honest politics and politicians that work for the country and its people, not themselves and their friends. I am willing to spend time and effort changing this country so it is a fit place to live again.

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

I’ve lived here all my life and running businesses here know the trials and tribulations faced by people. Committed to the area and its protection. Breadth and width of life experience can be brought to bear to solve the myriad problems we currently face.

“This country needs a change to honest politics and politicians that work for the country and its people”

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

We have a multi layer multi agency management structure for the Forest that does not always work in tandem or in a joined up way. The spread of Southampton’s port could become a problem. 

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

You can contact me via email at [email protected].  We need fund raisers and leaflet deliverers to spread our message.  You can also find out more at https://www.reformparty.uk/new-forest-west-constituency.

Catherine Becker is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Hampstead and Highgate.  We spoke with Catherine about her decision to stand.

“I have become increasingly frustrated at the poor running of government both by Labour at the local and London-wide level and by Conservatives at national level”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I have a successful business background rather than being a career politician. However, I have become increasingly frustrated at the poor running of government both by Labour at the local and London-wide level and by Conservatives at national level. I saw Reform policies and the sensible and well thought through solutions to crime, the economy and across the board and was delighted that there was a credible alternative.

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

Hampstead and Highgate have the third worst crime in the whole of London.  There are only 2 policeman per ward (who are on shifts and if on holiday/sick not replaced) and there is little funding or operational efficiency to support them.  In addition, labour have been running the area for over 25 years and there has been a rise in wasted expenditure, poor amenities and pushing through irresponsible policies.  I have real solutions and policies to turn this round without bankrupting the area.

“having more front line police is key, but it’s not just about funding (which Reform will increase by 28%) but also about creating a safe culture in which the police operate”

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

a. Crime –  is one of the biggest – having more front line police is key, but it’s not just about funding (which Reform will increase by 28%) but also about creating a safe culture in which the police operate.  Many have left the force as a result, and having run a business I know about keeping a culture in our organisations so they thrive and stay.

b. Transport – The 20 miles an hour restriction is important near schools and small roads, but along the finchley road and other key main roads is too restrictive and can be more dangerous.  The safer streets again is important but has been rushed through and in many cases means the elderly cannot get essential visits or deliveries and is certainly not making our streets cleaner.

c.  Housing – we need more affordable housing, but without being rushed through by labour without the necessary increases in tubes, GPs, hospitals, schools and infrastructure.  This needs to happen alongside which it currently is not.

“There should be proper tenders for all government expenditure not the chumocracy we have at present.  And we want to make it better for workers and local business owners too by taxing less and delivering growth”

d. Economy – The expenditure and deficit in H&H is poorly handled by Labour, I am a business person and used to getting the best value out of our budgets.  There should be proper tenders for all government expenditure not the chumocracy we have at present.  And we want to make it better for workers and local business owners too by taxing less and delivering growth in the area.

e. Students and young people – many people think labour is the party for young people but our policies of not taxing the first £20k of income (as opposed to £12.5k now), no interest on student loans and better crime prevention and amenities show that Reform have the best policies to provide support.

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

Yes, we need more active volunteers in the area.  Being involved in a political campaign is fascinating and great experience – so please do get in touch at [email protected] or our Facebook page at Reform UK – Hampstead and Highgate Constituency 2024 or fill out this very short form for feedback on policies and volunteering at: Reform UK – volunteering and help.

Malcolm Cupis is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Melksham and Devizes.  We spoke with Malcolm about his decision to stand.

“I grew up in Melksham and went to school at Aloeric Primary School and George Ward Comprehensive… and live in Keevil with my wife Caroline, two dogs and a cat.

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I grew up in Melksham and went to school at Aloeric Primary School and George Ward Comprehensive before emigrating to South Africa with my family when I was 15 years old in 1983.

I returned to this country in 1989 and became Editor of the Melksham News and founder Editor of White Horse News in 1990.  This was followed by a career in public relations which included living in London, the Middle East, and extended periods of time in various parts of Africa, and the Far East.  I returned to this area in 2019 and live in Keevil with my wife Caroline, two dogs and a cat.

“The Party stands strongly for the classically liberal values of low taxation, personal responsibility, small government, empowered individualism”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I was an active member of the Conservative Party for 25 years before resigning last year. The farce over the leadership contest was absolutely the final straw for me. The Conservative Party has moved further and further away from core conservative values in the last 20 years and I no longer felt able to support it. It is absolutely clear to me that those values have been embraced by Reform UK.

The Party stands strongly for the classically liberal values of low taxation, personal responsibility, small government, empowered individualism, properly policed borders, free market economics, law and order and, above all, common sense. It is resistant to conformity, statism, bureaucracy and authoritarianism.

One of the biggest problems we have in politics now is that Parliament is chocked full of identikit career politicians who get parachuted into constituencies that they have no real affiliation to, having previously gone to the ‘right’ school and Oxbridge. They often have no real-life experience. They exist to impose centralised policies on their constituents, regardless of their opinions, needs and aspirations. I’ve done things the hard way. I haven’t been parachuted in from London or Cheshire with the financial support of a big political party.

“villages throughout the constituency, have seen largescale housebuilding in the last few years with little or no commensurate investment in associated infrastructure”

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

My main areas of focus are:

1. Campaign for no more housebuilding without investment in infrastructure 

Melksham and Devizes in particular, but also other town and villages throughout the constituency, have seen largescale housebuilding in the last few years with little or no commensurate investment in associated infrastructure.

By this I mean roads, schools, healthcare facilities, retail leisure facilities and dedicated commercial areas. The result of this has been that living standards have dropped markedly as pressure has increased on all these things.

I will campaign vigorously to not just bring the infrastructure up to an appropriate level for the housebuilding that has taken place, but also to insist that it must be further appropriately developed before future housebuilding takes place. No infrastructure – no more housebuilding.

2. We need our own hospital

This follows on closely from the first point. With the great increase in the number of people living in the area it is iniquitous that people in the West of the constituency are dependent on the Royal United Hospital in Bath and people in the East have to travel to either Swindon, Salisbury or Bath. We shouldn’t have to travel 25 miles in an emergency for life saving treatment, or for cancer treatment or to see other specialists for long term healthcare.

Bath in particular is now very difficult to get to quickly and cost effectively due to the transport policies of the Council there. All three hospitals have terrible backlogs for appointments and operate way beyond demand levels that they were designed for.

I will campaign that we should have our own hospital in the constituency, with increased capacity for General Practitioners and dentists operating alongside it.

3. Support our farmers

This remains very much a rural constituency with very many people employed directly or indirectly in agribusiness and food production. Our farmers are under terrible pressure with supermarkets forcing prices down to maximise their profits and buying food in from other countries where farmers are more heavily subsidised. As a result many farmers are going out of business or giving up fields for subsidised solar farms or housebuilding. We cannot be reliant on importing our food from other countries. We must ensure that we grow our own food. We must support our farmers.

“Rural people deserve equal law enforcement and I am committed to campaigning for more visibility and better service from the Police throughout the constituency”

4. Prioritise the needs of local people

All across the country migrants are being prioritised for housing and healthcare, even if they have travelled here illegally. This must stop. I want to make sure that local people have priority for housing and healthcare, especially homeless ex service men and women and I will fight to make this happen.

5. Combat rural crime

Police numbers have been greatly reduced and what officers we have are hampered by endless bureaucracy. As a result the majority of their focus is on urban centres, where the majority of crime takes place and it increasingly feels as if rural areas are overlooked and forgotten. Criminals are aware of this and can see rural areas as soft targets. Rural people deserve equal law enforcement and I am committed to campaigning for more visibility and better service from the Police throughout the constituency, not just in urban and suburban areas.

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

You can contact me by email at [email protected], and find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/reformuk.melkshamanddevizes and X/Twitter at https://twitter.com/reformukmandd.

Kabeer Kher is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Mid Norfolk.  We spoke with Kabeer about his decision to stand.

“I was born in Northern Ireland where I grew up above the family pub. I went to University in Glasgow to study international business”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Kabeer Kher.  I was born in Northern Ireland where I grew up above the family pub. I went to University in Glasgow to study international business. After graduating I worked for BT, ran a business for several years, followed by a career in financial services. I settled in Norfolk in 2015 where I live with my wife and 2 children.

“I decided to join Reform UK when our genius Prime Minister decided to ban UK Shale Gas in the middle of the worst energy crisis since 1973”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I decided to join Reform UK when our genius Prime Minister decided to ban UK Shale Gas in the middle of the worst energy crisis since 1973. I realised in that moment that the Conservative Party has absolutely no idea how to look after the interests of the people in this country.  When I read the policies for Reform UK, I felt like I had found my people and that it was time for me to step forward and do something to change this country.

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

Mid-Norfolk is where I have lived for the last 9 years. My wife’s family are from here and my parents and siblings have since moved here with their family.

“The most pressing concern for Mid-Norfolk is flooding…. The government’s decision to stop dredging rivers is exacerbating the issue”

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

The most pressing concern for Mid-Norfolk is flooding. My parents have been directly affected by the flooding in Attleborough in 2023 as a result of house building on flood plains. The government’s decision to stop dredging rivers is exacerbating the issue. I would like to see a ban on building houses on flood plains, and a part nationalisation of the water companies to end the profiteering at the expense of local people. I would also like to see much more investment in nuclear energy so we achieve energy self-sufficiency instead of wasting billions on wind farms and solar farms which only work intermittently and do not last anywhere near as long as nuclear power plants.

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

For those who want to joint my campaign they can find me on Facebook at Reform UK Mid-Norfolk or on X @KherKabeer / Reform UK Mid-Norfolk or email me at [email protected].