Julie Carter is an Independent candidate for South Acton ward in Ealing, in the council by-election to be held on 10th October. We spoke with Julie about her decision to stand.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I am putting myself forward to give the local residents an alternative to the tired old parties.
South Acton locals have come to me with problems they want solved; resident parking and speed limit signage near the local school, re-opening the long-promised recycling dump, and most importantly, a councillor who is present for them. One resident says he hasn’t ever seen his local councillor “where are they?”
You’re the candidate for South Acton. What are the main concerns in the area?
South Acton is the hidden gem of Ealing, a vibrant, close-knit community, it deserves better representation, someone who will help them to access Ealing Council.
A lifelong resident of Ealing, I have demonstrated commitment to public service as past governor of Ealing Hospital and Chiswick School, and I am ready to serve South Acton’s residents.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Marco Manassero is the Reform UK candidate for South Acton ward in Ealing, in the council by-election to be held on 10th October. We spoke with Marco about his decision to stand.
“In Ealing, Labour’s long-term control has led to complacency, and the issues facing our community have not been adequately addressed”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
My name is Marco Manassero, an Italian-born, British-naturalised insurance professional and entrepreneur. After graduating from a leading European business school, I relocated to the UK in 2012 and later founded my own company. I am married with two daughters. I’ve always had a keen interest in politics, but my career and family have taken up most of my time and energy. However, the recent moral and economic decline of our country has pushed me to take action. In Ealing, Labour’s long-term control has led to complacency, and the issues facing our community have not been adequately addressed. I am standing as the Reform UK candidate because I believe we need fresh leadership and accountability. A vote for the same old parties is a vote for more of the same failures. Only Reform UK will stand up for the people of Ealing and deliver real change.
“Overdevelopment is another serious concern. While new homes are necessary, development must be balanced with adequate infrastructure”
You’re the candidate for South Acton. What are the main concerns in the area?
In my view, the most pressing issues in South Acton are crime and overdevelopment. Residents are particularly concerned about the rise in violence against women, drug use and anti-social behaviour, all of which are linked to a lack of police presence on our streets. Labour’s leadership has clearly failed to address these serious issues and far too often crimes go uninvestigated.
Overdevelopment is another serious concern. While new homes are necessary, development must be balanced with adequate infrastructure, including schools, parking, GP services and public transport.
“If elected, I would prioritise holding the Labour-run Ealing Council to account, working closely with the local police to address increasing crime levels”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Ealing and if elected what do you hope to champion?
Ealing faces a variety of challenges, many of which are also present in South Acton: rising crime, limited access to health and social care services, overdevelopment, anti-motorist measures and a lack of local job opportunities. If elected, I would prioritise holding the Labour-run Ealing Council to account, working closely with the local police to address increasing crime levels and promoting neighbourhood watch initiatives. I would also ensure that property development is managed responsibly and aligned with necessary improvements in infrastructure.
Additionally, I would hold regular community meetings to listen to concerns and ensure transparency. By engaging with the community, we can work together to make South Acton a safer and more vibrant place to live.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
We welcome support from residents of South Acton and neighbouring areas. There are many ways to get involved, from leafleting to speaking with voters or sharing our message on social media. If you’d like to help, please contact us on Twitter/X @MgManassero or via email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you and work together to make a difference.
Fabio Pukaj is the Reform UK candidate for Hanger Hill ward in Ealing, in the council by-election to be held on 10th October. We spoke with Fabio about his decision to stand.
“I’m driven by the hope of bringing that same spirit of possibility to Hanger Lane, with a vision of creating a community where everyone can reach their full potential”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
When I was 16, I took my first leap into running my own online business. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about learning how to truly connect with people and create meaningful opportunities. Alongside this, my summer job as a waiter taught me the grit and resilience needed to push through tough times.
These experiences have deeply shaped my understanding of how vital opportunities are and sparked a fire in me to help others find their own path to success. Now, at 21, I’m driven by the hope of bringing that same spirit of possibility to Hanger Lane, with a vision of creating a community where everyone can reach their full potential and live their best lives.
“Many residents are worried about crime, struggling with poverty, and feeling frustrated by too many rules that make life difficult”
You’re the candidate for Hanger Hill ward what are the main concerns in the area?
From a young age, I’ve been connected to Hanger Lane, not just geographically but through the relationships I’ve built and the time I’ve spent in the area. My experiences living close by have given me an understanding of what the community needs to thrive. Over the years, I’ve seen first hand how local issues like rising crime, limited opportunities, and unnecessary regulations have impacted the daily lives of residents.
These experiences have inspired me to run as a candidate with Reform UK, with a mission to create meaningful opportunities and build a safer, more prosperous Hanger Lane. I believe that together, we can unlock the full potential of our community, ensuring that it’s a place where everyone can feel secure, grow, and succeed.
Many residents are worried about crime, struggling with poverty, and feeling frustrated by too many rules that make life difficult. I’m running for you to help solve these problems on day one. I want to make Hanger Lane a place where people can walk home at night without looking over your shoulder, where you don’t have to worry about the threat of being harmed. A community where people feel secure, where children can play outside without fear, and where you’re not held back by unnecessary obstacles.
My goal is to build a Hanger Lane that supports you—where there are more opportunities, and where families can live peacefully and thrive without constant worry or fear.
“Ealing faces broader challenges, such as outdated infrastructure and limited access to essential resources. These issues affect all of us, and I am fully committed to tackling them head-on”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Ealing and if elected what do you hope to champion?
The residents’ biggest concerns are mine too: rising crime, lack of support, and too many restrictions.
If I’m elected, I’ll work hard to reduce crime in our community, provide better support for those who need it, and get rid of rules that make life harder for residents and their families on day one. My focus is on listening to residents needs and delivering solutions that make a real difference in their everyday life.
Furthermore, Ealing faces broader challenges, such as outdated infrastructure and limited access to essential resources. These issues affect all of us, and I am fully committed to tackling them head-on. My vision is to breathe new life into our community, ensuring that everyone has the support and opportunities they deserve. Together, we can build the strongest, most united Ealing the world has ever seen, where every resident has the chance to succeed.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
If you’d like to share your ideas or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. I’m here for you and ready to act on what matters most to you.
Peter Hunter is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Putney. We spoke with Peter about his decision to stand.
“Reform and I can help the government deliver best local policies for people of Putney”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I am an ex-army officer and ex-British diplomat at the United Nations in New York. I live in South London and I’m passionate about politics having retired recently. I have also run a small business in Switzerland so know about the EU and Europe. I also speak a little French, German and Russian.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
Nigel says that Labour are likely to win a majority; the conservatives have lost their way and need change. Reform is the best forum for that change and after the election, may help the Conservatives reform themselves.
Reform and I can help the government deliver best local policies for people of Putney.
You’re the Spokesman for Putney what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I resonate with local issues and concerns, like crime, traffic, and share the Wimbledon LTA plan concerns.
I have the leaderships skills and influence to get things done and help local people solve problems.
“Champion the NHS, but it needs slimmer better management so these resources can be put into front lines services”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Champion the NHS, but it needs slimmer better management so these resources can be put into front lines services.
Cut waiting times, support the police, fight crime, and stop shoplifting.
Revise low traffic networks – get traffic moving – whilst we still safeguard pedestrians and children.
Putney housing for Putney residents – build new affordable and renovate old housing.
Support the government over legal and stop illegal immigration.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Vote for me – PETER FOR PUTNEY – PETER LAFAYETTE HUNTER for Putney RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES.
Maya Severyn is the SDP prospective candidate for Waveney Valley. We spoke with Maya about her decision to stand.
“In this election my key points are to Bring Trust Back into Politics, and to Bring Democracy Back to the People”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Maya Severyn, and I believe in service before self. In this election my key points are to Bring Trust Back into Politics, and to Bring Democracy Back to the People.
I am a Project Manager in IT, born and brought up in London, have lived and worked in Europe for 15 years and have come back to settle in Suffolk
What made you decide to stand for the SDP?
I joined the SDP as, like many others, I had considered myself ‘politically homeless’. Having previously voted Labour I began to realise that the Labour Parliamentary party was no longer representative or interested in the Labour Movement. Having been at one time a Shop Steward, but also running my own company, I believe in the benefits of a mixed economy; nationalisation of core infrastructure can and should sit alongside private enterprise.
“I live here, I work here and to be honest I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! I am a local town councillor”
You’re the Spokesman for Waveney Valley what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I live here, I work here and to be honest I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! I am a local town councillor, and, from experience, I am frustrated that there is only so much which can be resolved at a local level and so my hope is to be given the opportunity and mandate to address the challenges and opportunities for the people here as a member of Parliament.
“We are a rural constituency, with a widespread population, and there are many concerns about transport infrastructure and access to basic services”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Agriculture is at the heart of this constituency, and has my full support. We are a rural constituency, with a widespread population, and there are many concerns about transport infrastructure and access to basic services.
Employment and training opportunities for young people plus, of course, affordable housing to enable them to start their own family homes.
The other big issue is of course the Norwich-Essex pylon scheme, which I wholeheartedly oppose, as being disruptive to our communities, damaging to our farms and environment and unnecessary; better options exist!
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Ashley Dickenson is the Christian Peoples Alliance Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Carshalton and Wallington. We spoke with Ashley about his decision to stand.
“this nation needs a return to Judaeo-Christian values that were the yardstick for discerning between good and evil, values that everyone at one time knew and respected”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Ashley Dickenson who has lived in the London Borough of Sutton since 1984 and Carshalton since 1992. I have worked in administrative support roles. I am very committed to pro-life issues, and I advocate for Christian values in our schools. I have recently been campaigning for pedestrian crossings for a venue near me as well as for school buses to reduce school-run traffic.
What made you decide to stand for the CPA?
I believe that not just this constituency, but this nation needs a return to Judaeo-Christian values that were the yardstick for discerning between good and evil, values that everyone at one time knew and respected, even if not perfectly upheld. Politicians from the other parties have tried to solve this nation’s problems through secular laws with the best of intentions but this hasn’t necessarily worked out for this nation’s best.
You’re the Spokesman for Carshalton and Wallington what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I’ve lived in this area since August 1992 and decided to take up:
the need for pedestrian lights at the crossroads of the Windsor Castle public house;
a pedestrian crossing to the Greyhound near Carshalton;
leafletting against the Relationships & Sex Education (RSE) in our primary schools.
I have also written to schools & libraries expressing concerns about drag queens being allowed to read to impressionable young children;
a while back I contacted several schools in my area to express concern about Ha’laal meat being served to their pupils owing to animal welfare issues.
“I have submitted to two schools in my area petitions promoting school buses to offset – if not completely eliminate – ‘school-run traffic’”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
St Helier Hospital
Relationships & Sex Education in our schools
Traffic: I have submitted to two schools in my area petitions promoting school buses to offset – if not completely eliminate – ‘school-run traffic’. Especially where this has caused ‘snarl-ups’ at best and drivers speeding at worse, at over 20mph on 20 mph roads.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Sam Wood is the Libertarian Party Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Ynys Môn (Anglesey). We spoke with Sam about his decision to stand.
“People are competent, people are ambitious, people are brilliant, the government is only standing in the way of what greatness we can achieve”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Sam Wood, I’ve spent most of my life on Anglesey in North Wales, despite leaving and coming back many times this has always been the place that I’ve called home. My background is finance/economics, and this has only amplified my understanding and appreciation of libertarianism and the value that it can bring to the average person.
“don’t look at where the puck is, look at where the puck is going to be, that’s where I’ll be fighting”
What made you decide to stand for the Libertarian Party?
Fundamentally my belief in libertarianism comes from the fact that it is a morally superior political philosophy, the concept that no one has the right to force someone else to do something that they do not consent to is a very powerful one. It is the party of principle, and a party that I think throughout it’s policies demonstrates its belief that people do not need government to succeed. People are competent, people are ambitious, people are brilliant, the government is only standing in the way of what greatness we can achieve, it is holding us back.
My political spectrum is not left or right, it is authoritarianism on one side and libertarianism on the other, with emerging technologies that have immense power to coerce us. My concern is that if we fall into authoritarianism in the future, we won’t ever have a way out, so we need to start this fight now. That old saying, don’t look at where the puck is, look at where the puck is going to be, that’s where I’ll be fighting.
You’re the Spokesman for Ynys Môn what’s made you decide to represent this area?
Ynys Mon is my home, even when I have not lived here it has always been home. All the things that I value most in my life are right here.
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
The big issues here are the same systemic issues that the UK faces, housing, inflation, excess immigration and the strain it places. A far stricter immigration policy coupled with lower regulation and free’er markets will set us on a trajectory to improving these issues in the most speediest of fashion. The main goal being improving the standard of living, prosperity and the quality of life for people here in the UK.
“Right now, the best way for libertarian minded folks to help is to share the libertarian message in whatever way they can, speak to people about freedom”
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Right now, the best way for libertarian minded folks to help is to share the libertarian message in whatever way they can, speak to people about freedom, share articles etc on social media. Start that conversation with people, ask people why we let our government steal so much of our resources from us, call tax what it is, it is theft, and it is immoral.
The ten commandments, arguably the 10 most important rules that humans have ever had, one of them is to not steal. The government is fundamentally immoral stealing from hard working families that are trying to provide for their loved ones in the best way they can.
Nick Goulding is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Chester North and Neston. We spoke with Nick about his decision to stand.
“I got involved in politics again was my disgust at the attempt to defy the clearly expressed will of the people and obstruct Brexit”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m a 60 three-year-old business owner, former army officer and a small business campaigner. I am married with four children, and I have lived in Cheshire for over thirty years.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I previously stood for the Brexit party in the last general election and then for Reform UK for the post of Police and Crime commissioner for Cheshire. The reason I got involved in politics again was my disgust at the attempt to defy the clearly expressed will of the people and obstruct Brexit by politicians’, civil servants and judges.
“I find as I go round the constituency the overriding issue is the betrayal of their voters by all the main existing parties and the desire for a new way forward”
You’re the Spokesman for Chester North and Neston what’s made you decide to represent this area?
Although I live outside the constituency, in mid Cheshire, I wanted to stand for Chester because it is the county town and most significant location which can send the clearest message to the country.
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Although there are all local issues that need to be addressed. I find as I go round the constituency the overriding issue is the betrayal of their voters by all the main existing parties and the desire for a new way forward, which Reform UK can provide.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Emma Guy is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Mid Cheshire. We spoke with Emma about her decision to stand.
“The tipping point was during lockdown, when the decisions made on our behalf by the government seemed more and more detached from reality”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Emma Guy and I have lived and worked in Northwich, Cheshire for almost 35 years, during which time I have served on the local Lostock Gralam Parish Council, started, and grew my own wellbeing clinic, and represented local interests since 2001 by campaigning with CHAIN (Cheshire Anti Incinerator Network) against the building of the Incinerator on Griffiths Lane on the edge of our beautiful town.
I am a Prevent Breast Cancer ambassador and part of a local group helping to make Northwich Dementia Friendly.
Currently, I am the Chief Commercial Officer for a Runcorn based business, Aqueous Digital, and in November 2022 I won Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year at the Crème de la Crème Cheshire Business Awards, for my ongoing work with the business.
On top of these roles, I am also Chair of the board of Trustees at Halton Haven Hospice.
In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction which triggered early onset menopause, an episode I covered in my bestselling 2021 book, Wisdoms of the Menopausal Godmother.
I have been happily married to my husband Jonathan for 18 years and we have three children.
“a new seat comprising Northwich, where I live, and the two nearby local towns of Middlewich and Winsford. Collectively I refer to them as the ‘salt towns’”
What made me stand for Reform Uk?
The tipping point was during lockdown, when the decisions made on our behalf by the government seemed more and more detached from reality.
The fear campaigns, the rule of six, mask mandates and social distancing based on no scientific evidence made me determined to do something. As Simon Wiesenthal once said, “For evil to flourish, it only requires good men to do nothing”. I couldn’t, in all good conscience, do nothing.
On New Year’s Day 2021 I contacted the party to ask it they had a candidate in this area, and would they consider me.
I was duly selected as the Spokesperson in early 2021 after undergoing the vetting process and became Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the party in November 2023. I was formally announced as the official Parliamentary Candidate when my nomination papers were accepted in early June this year.
You’re the Spokesperson for Mid Cheshire what’s made you decide to represent this area?
Mid Cheshire is a new seat comprising Northwich, where I live, and the two nearby local towns of Middlewich and Winsford. Collectively I refer to them as the ‘salt towns’ as they all have a long history of salt production, dating back to Roman times.
Fun fact: most people don’t realise that when the gritters go out during icy spells to grit the roads all over the U.K., the chances are that what is being spread comes from our local salt mines in Winsford.
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
There are several issues that affect my local constituency, but I expect that my priorities may resonate with a lot of people in a lot of other areas.
The first is that I want to bring back a sense of Civic Pride to the area. Too many local residents tell me that they are disappointed with what they see locally, and no one seems to have a sense of responsibility that was high on the agenda in Victorian times. If you can’t be proud of where you live then it’s no surprise if you don’t want to engage positively with your local town.
The second is that we desperately need an integrated transport policy in our area. Luckily, we don’t suffer (yet) from ULEZ, LTN’s or mandatory 20mph zones, but what public transport is available is fragmented, infrequent and ill-suited for local needs and motorists are still seen as a burden rather than the driver of investment in our towns.
Finally, rather than a disparate and disjointed allocation of funds to our towns, which straddle two County Authorities, we should have funds allocated based on local need, not what is decided for us by someone in an office 40 miles away. Would you believe that the one consistent point made by residents I talk to in each of the towns is that they bemoan the lack of public toilets in the town centre? It’s incredible that this should have happened in the twenty first century.
“For evil to flourish, it only requires good men to do nothing”. I couldn’t, in all good conscience, do nothing”
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
If anyone is able to help then they can visit my website at https://www.emmaguyreform.co.uk/ and from there they can follow my social media profiles or email me directly.
David Burgess-Joyce is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Wallasey. We spoke with David about his decision to stand.
“I no longer supported a party that was NOT conservative. I also looked at what Reform UK were advocating, and I struggled to disagree”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is David Burgess-Joyce and I represent the Wallasey constituency on the Wirral, which is part of Merseyside. I’ve spent all my working life in law enforcement and have worked throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I was a Conservative all my adult life and had two terms as a councillor. However, last year I resigned my membership because I no longer supported a party that was NOT conservative. I also looked at what Reform UK were advocating, and I struggled to disagree.
“I have lived in this area all my 60 years and know it extremely well”
You’re the Spokesman for Wallaseywhat’s made you decide to represent this area?
I have lived in this area all my 60 years and know it extremely well. I am also of the opinion that decades of a Labour MP who lives in London has not helped its success.
“There are areas of deprivation which have not seen the council maintain or show any interest in”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Wallasey needs inward investment to raise the area from a forgotten part of Merseyside. There are areas of deprivation which have not seen the council maintain or show any interest in. Ironically, these are some of the areas the Labour council receive their votes from! Given we have a coast on three sides I am concerned the pollution caused by the water utility company and some businesses is rife, and I intend campaigning for strong sanctions.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?