Mary Lawes, Reform UK Candidate for Folkestone East

Mary Lawes is the Reform UK candidate for Folkestone East in the upcoming Kent County Council elections.  We spoke with Mary about her decision to stand.

“they chose to target the most vulnerable in society to balance their books, stripping pensioners of their Winter Fuel Allowance just as winter began”

Kent County Council

I am Mary Lawes, and I am standing as a candidate for Reform UK because I am deeply concerned about the direction in which Labour is taking our country. Labour is misleading the British public, convincing them that only they can serve their best interests, while in reality, their policies are causing serious harm.

Labour’s Broken Promises

Labour’s General Election manifesto promised to fix the NHS. Instead of delivering real reform, they handed the unions a pay deal to halt strikes and increased public sector wages—yet the NHS remains in crisis.

They also repeatedly claimed that there was a £22 billion “black hole” in public finances. Were there? Regardless, they chose to target the most vulnerable in society to balance their books, stripping pensioners of their Winter Fuel Allowance just as winter began. They are also forcing farmers to give up their land and cutting support for the sick and disabled.

“we should be utilising our own energy resources while gradually transitioning to advanced nuclear technology, which is cleaner, more reliable, and does not depend on the weather”

The Cost of Net Zero

One of the most damaging policies Labour is pursuing is Net Zero. They have shut down domestic energy production, forcing the UK to import expensive foreign fuel—raising costs for consumers. Meanwhile, they are covering our countryside with solar farms and wind turbines while adding green levies to household energy bills.

The UK contributes just 1% of the world’s CO₂ emissions, yet billions are being spent on ineffective green policies. Solar panels, imported from China, are produced using materials mined by child labour under dangerous conditions. Instead of this, we should be utilising our own energy resources while gradually transitioning to advanced nuclear technology, which is cleaner, more reliable, and does not depend on the weather.

Neglect of Folkestone East

I am standing in Folkestone East, a deprived area that has been neglected for over 20 years.

  • There are no proper community spaces.
  • The Folkestone Harbour area, home to over 5,000 children, has just one small play area.
  • There are no sports facilities, football pitches, or youth clubs.
  • There are no organisations like Guides, Brownies, or Scouts.

Meanwhile, our roads are in disrepair. While new housing estates receive investment in infrastructure, our area suffers from dangerous roads, few pedestrian crossings, and an inadequate public transport system.

Protecting Food Security and Small Businesses

Our country’s food security is at risk. Without farms and farmers, we will be forced to import food, leaving us vulnerable to external control. Labour’s policies are deliberately worsening this situation as part of their globalist agenda.

Meanwhile, small businesses are struggling. Labour’s increase in National Insurance is making it more expensive to hire staff, while their so-called minimum wage increase does little to offset soaring costs in:

  • Energy bills
  • Water rates
  • Rent & mortgages
  • Council tax (which has seen record-high increases in our district over the last five years)

People are struggling, and in deprived areas, life is becoming unbearable for the most vulnerable in our society.

“With approximately 15,000 trucks entering the UK daily, this policy could generate significant funds to maintain and improve our roads”

A Fair Solution for Road Maintenance

Reform UK Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh has a practical policy to fund road repairs in Kent. British truckers must pay substantial fees to drive through Europe—so why shouldn’t foreign truckers contribute to our infrastructure?

We propose a £35 daily charge for trucks coming from the continent, using the existing infrastructure at Dover and the Channel Tunnel.

With approximately 15,000 trucks entering the UK daily, this policy could generate significant funds to maintain and improve our roads. We would want this ring fenced for Kent roads.

I am also committed to:

  • Improving road safety (with more crossings in high-risk areas)
  • Addressing the poor local bus service—especially the vital 74 bus route

“second rail service could bring much-needed competition to Eurostar, potentially reopening Ebbsfleet and Ashford International stations, which have been closed since Covid”

Reviving Local Transport and Businesses

The approval of Richard Branson’s second rail service could bring much-needed competition to Eurostar, potentially reopening Ebbsfleet and Ashford International stations, which have been closed since Covid.

Currently, Kent residents must travel to London just to board a train that passes through these closed stations. Increased competition would mean:

  • Better services
  • Lower fares

We must also do more to support local businesses. Reform UK will push to:

  • Reverse the National Insurance hike
  • Lower energy bills to help struggling businesses

Our high streets are dying, and people are losing jobs. We must take action now.

Get in Touch

I am committed to fighting for the people of Folkestone East and ensuring that our voices are heard.

Website: [email protected]

Facebook: Mary Lawes Reform

X (Twitter): @Mary_Lawes

Vote for change. Vote for Reform UK. Vote for Mary Lawes Folkestone East.

David Sabine, Libertarian Party of Canada candidate for Airdrie—Cochrane

With a general election in Canada being held on April 28.  David Sabine is the Libertarian Party candidate for the riding of Airdrie—Cochrane. We spoke with David about his decision to stand.

“I am putting my name on the ballot to amplify voices who believe our federal government is too big, too costly, and too corrupt”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?

I’m David Sabine, running for the Libertarian Party in Canada in the riding of Airdrie-Cochrane, a region near Calgary, Alberta. This western province is known for its rugged landscapes and its energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors. I’ve worked as a management consultant across Canada and beyond, earning degrees from the University of Regina and Arizona State University. I am putting my name on the ballot to amplify voices who believe our federal government is too big, too costly, and too corrupt.

“Albertans, known for their industrious and family-oriented spirit, value their freedom to run businesses and live independently. They’re troubled by Canada’s shift toward authoritarianism”

You’re the candidate for Airdrie—Cochrane. What are the main concerns in the area?

Airdrie-Cochrane faces intense strain from mass immigration driven by Justin Trudeau’s lax border policies — labelled “out of control” even by his own ministers. Albertans, known for their industrious and family-oriented spirit, value their freedom to run businesses and live independently. They’re troubled by Canada’s shift toward authoritarianism, with steep taxes, market interference, and declining rights like free speech and property ownership.

Federal mismanagement, mounting debt, and trade restrictions strike this region hard, where energy and enterprise fuel the economy. Alberta is a resource-rich province and clashes with Ottawa, the federal capital, sending massive “equalization” payments to other regions while facing Ottawa’s aggressive climate policies that throttle local industry.

Separatist tensions, simmering for over a century, are boiling over, with growing daily demands for Alberta’s Premier to hold a referendum on breaking away from Canada.

“cut the power of the administrative state, reduce bureaucratic bloat, end government debt, and enable citizens to shape their own prosperous future”

What do you see as the major issues more widely in Canada and if elected what do you hope to champion?

Libertarian-leaning voters in Airdrie-Cochrane are alarmed by Canada’s authoritarian drift characterized by excessive taxation, market intervention, the erosion of property and civil rights, and an ever-expanding censorship regime. Canadian author, Margaret Atwood, criticized Justin Trudeau and his Liberal party’s “creeping totalitarianism” — the root cause of Canada’s economic fragility and societal division.

Canada’s federal government is too big, too expensive, and meddles too much in provincial jurisdiction. Past Liberal and Conservative regimes have overreached as morality police, selectively enforcing laws to push specific ideologies. A Libertarian in Parliament would influence policy to cut the power of the administrative state, reduce bureaucratic bloat, end government debt, and enable citizens to shape their own prosperous futures.

Canada’s self-inflicted barriers, like interprovincial trade restrictions, pipeline bans, and supply management, inflate costs for essentials and trap consumers. Libertarians propose dismantling these barriers in pursuit of principled free trade with all countries. The Libertarian approach rejects central economic planning favouring individual liberty and economic freedom.

Canada’s economic hardship stems from Liberal mismanagement and their socialist base — trillion+ in debt, overregulation, and policies that stifling growth. The growing calls for separation in Alberta and Quebec underscore this fracture. Given our natural resources and adjacency to the largest economies on Earth, Canadians should be prosperous, resilient, creative, thriving!

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?

Visit https://www.libertarian.ca/david_sabine to learn more about me and our Libertarian platform.

Alex Joehl, Libertarian Party of Canada candidate for Langley Township-Fraser Heights

With a general election in Canada being held on April 28.  Alex Joehl is the Libertarian Party candidate for the riding of Langley Township-Fraser Heights. We spoke with Alex about his decision to stand.

“I feel strongly that there should be a principled, liberty candidate on every ballot in the country… I can at least give the voters of Langley Township-Fraser Heights that option”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?

I’m a husband and a father, but when you do a Google search of my name they call me a Politician.

I studied Journalism after high school, and though I no longer work in the media industry, my time at college helped shape who I became as a young man. After learning about this history of western economics and philosophy I began to realize that I was a Classic Liberal and immediately began to seek out a political party that shared my views.

I found the Libertarian Party of Canada and in 2008 I ran for office for the first time, under the LPoC banner in Surrey-North. I finished sixth out of nine candidates, garnering 347 votes (1%), and I was hooked on the democratic process. Only by putting myself on the ballot could I guarantee that there would be an option I could vote for in good conscience.

Since then, I’ve run federally three times, provincially three times, and ran locally for Mayor, for Councillor, and for School Board Trustee. I’ve never been elected but that has not deterred me. In 2023 I was selected to be the Leader of the British Columbia Libertarian Party (provincial). Even though we did not elect any candidates, we had the fourth-highest vote total of all parties.

I decided to run this time around because, well, somebody has to. I feel strongly that there should be a principled, liberty candidate on every ballot in the country, and while I can’t do that on my own, I can at least give the voters of Langley Township-Fraser Heights that option.

“Langley is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country, so naturally a lot of the concerns revolve around infrastructure”

You’re the candidate for Langley Township-Fraser Heights. What are the main concerns in the area?

This is a brand new Electoral District this year. It encompasses a large portion of the Township of Langley and party of Surrey north of the Trans Canada Highway.

Langley is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country, so naturally a lot of the concerns revolve around infrastructure. As the region grows in population the access to healthcare has not increased, and our public monopoly on healthcare has garnered horrific results, with thousands of Canadians dying each year while waiting for diagnostic tests, for treatments, or even just to see a specialist.

“the governments’ incessant deficit spending puts the nation further into debt, while also inflating the money supply”

Finances are a hot topic obviously — it is very difficult (if not impossible) to purchase a home without some sort of “Bank of Mom & Dad” contribution. Many people are struggling to keep up with their bills — Two-thirds are $200 away from not being able to meet their monthly commitments, and Canada has the highest personal debt in the Western world. Meanwhile, the banks keep benefiting from fractional reserve lending, watering down people’s purchasing power, and the governments’ incessant deficit spending puts the nation further into debt, while also inflating the money supply.

Yet, all we hear about in the news is Tariffs, Tariffs, and more Tariffs, as the U.S. president is challenging our economy with his protectionist policies. Yes, these are important to discuss, but Canadians are being harmed much worse in more ways that we can actually control and undue.

What do you see as the major issues more widely in Canada and if elected what do you hope to champion?

Canadians need to wake up to the source of all of our struggles – the Bank of Canada tinkers with our economy with artificial interest rates and enabling government overspending by monetizing their deficits. And the private banks thrive within the environment that allows them to add to their balance sheets without deposits to back up the credit they lend out.

“our healthcare system is broken, and we need to immediately make it legal for Canadians to obtain the best care they can acquire”

Meanwhile, our healthcare system is broken, and we need to immediately make it legal for Canadians to obtain the best care they can acquire. Canadians should not have to leave the province, or the country, to get timely, appropriate care for their maladies. Currently only a select few — which includes the federal police force and prisoners — are allowed to access healthcare outside the public system. I want to extend that to all Canadians by scrapping the Canada Health Act and extending what the province of Quebec won in the Chaoulli v. Quebec court ruling to the rest of the provinces.

I’d love to see tax reform because, after all, Taxation is Theft, our Foreign Policy needs to be drastically scaled back, and Firearms Rights need to be addressed.

But we can’t fix those other problems when our ability to save and pay for things are being challenged by government policy and people are dying waiting for a doctor visit.

“I am always looking for volunteers to help evangelize the message of liberty with me, so if anyone has some time to share, get in touch”

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?

This 2025 federal campaign will be finished as fast as it started. The new Prime Minister called an election and allowed for the smallest window for the campaign. There will only be three weeks between when I am confirmed as a candidate and the final election date.

Visit my website www.AlexJoehl.com for some unique content, and there you’ll find other ways to contact me, including email and my social media accounts.

I am always looking for volunteers to help evangelize the message of liberty with me, so if anyone has some time to share, get in touch with me and we can figure out how you can assist! Donations will not be accepted this time around, but hopefully a future campaign will be set up early enough to fundraise and mobilize some freedom fighters.

Justin Leroux, Libertarian Party of Canada candidate for Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt

With a general election in Canada being held on April 28.  Justin Leroux is the Libertarian Party candidate for the riding of Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt. We spoke with Justin about his decision to stand.

“I refuse to stand by while families suffer and the promise of our nation crumbles. For me, running is not just a choice—it’s a civic duty”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us what made you decide to run?

My name is Justin Leroux. I was born in Sudbury and raised in North Bay from the age of seven. I completed high school there and studied World Religions and Philosophy at university, initially preparing to become either a priest or a pathologist.

During high school, I completed a priestly assessment at the request of our Bishop. Although I passed, he encouraged me to gain more life experience and truly learn what I wanted to understand. That led me to study the essence of what it means to be human—through both spiritual and secular perspectives. Toward the end of my first year at university, I felt called to serve in the funeral profession, so I moved to Toronto to study at Humber College and began working at one of the city’s historic funeral homes, serving families of all cultures and beliefs.

I’ve since worked across Ontario, including as an assistant manager in Midland and later managing three funeral homes near New Liskeard. My time in funeral service was always centred on advocacy—supporting grieving families through hospitals, with municipalities, and sometimes even in discussions with medical professionals.

Following a back injury, I transitioned into IT services. Today, I run my own consulting business, helping funeral homes modernise and adapt to an ever-changing world. But throughout my life—whether in the funeral profession or IT—I’ve always noticed inefficiency, injustice, and above all else… waste. The sheer amount of it in our government is staggering. Our country throws money at problems it often creates, while families here at home go hungry, neglected.

I realised that so many of the issues we face are the result of artificial dependencies created by government overreach. I’ve lived by libertarian principles long before I even knew there was a name for them. I’m running because I cannot watch Canada continue down this road. I refuse to stand by while families suffer and the promise of our nation crumbles. For me, running is not just a choice—it’s a civic duty. When good people stay silent, the status quo persists. I want to be part of the solution.

“the cost of living has skyrocketed. In just a few years, prices have risen so dramatically that to call it “inflation” feels like a disservice to the lived reality of our people”

You’re the candidate for Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt. What are the main concerns in the area?
This riding covers a vast geographic area and many diverse communities—farming villages, mining towns, and places that once thrived on forestry but are still reeling from the closure of their mills.

Despite the diversity, the concerns I hear across the riding are remarkably consistent.

Affordability is top of mind. Whether it’s groceries, petrol, baby formula, or heating fuel, the cost of living has skyrocketed. In just a few years, prices have risen so dramatically that to call it “inflation” feels like a disservice to the lived reality of our people. Residents are working harder than ever but falling further behind.

Housing is another major issue—both in availability and cost. In smaller communities, housing stock is limited, and in larger centres, it’s simply unaffordable. Young families are priced out of homeownership, and even renting can feel like a monthly gamble. Government intervention has made things worse, not better—artificially driving demand while restricting supply through red tape and regulation.

Mining and natural resources are the backbone of our region’s economy, yet federal policy often works against us. Punitive tariffs and excessive regulation discourage local investment, restrict our competitiveness, and allow foreign interests to benefit from resources we should be refining and utilising here in Northern Ontario. We need to stop handicapping our own industries in the name of political optics.

Lastly, there’s a deep frustration with bureaucracy and disconnection. Many residents feel abandoned by Ottawa—governed by decision-makers who have never set foot in our communities. It’s time for a local voice that understands not just our challenges, but our potential. 

What do you see as the major issues more widely in Canada, and if elected, what do you hope to champion?
Across Canada, we’re facing a crisis of identity. We’ve lost sight of individual responsibility and community-based solutions in favour of sprawling bureaucracy and centralised control. We’ve traded freedom for promises of security—and now find ourselves with neither.

“If elected, I will champion policies that decentralise power, cut waste, and restore individual freedom and accountability

Healthcare is failing—not because of a lack of money, but because of how it’s managed. The system rewards waiting and inefficiency. Housing is unaffordable—not because of capitalism, but because of regulation, land mismanagement, and inflationary monetary policy. And most tragically, our children are inheriting debt and restrictions instead of opportunity.

If elected, I will champion policies that decentralise power, cut waste, and restore individual freedom and accountability. That includes:

  • Ending corporate welfare and foreign aid while our own people struggle 
  • Repealing unnecessary regulations that make housing and small business unaffordable  
  • Defending medical freedom and bodily autonomy  
  • Introducing real monetary responsibility—balanced budgets and sound fiscal planning that will lead to eliminating the income tax  
  • Empowering communities, not Ottawa, to solve local issues  
  • Fighting for our First Nation Communities – They deserve to be free from an Ottawa that is oppressive and prevents their autonomy and freedoms in Canada. Some communities are still being stone-walled for valid land claims from the 1990s. That is unacceptable. 

“I welcome all feedback, even from those who may not agree with everything I stand for. That’s the beauty of liberty”

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
You can visit nickelbeltlibertarians.ca to learn more about my campaign, platform updates, and upcoming events.

If you’d like to volunteer, share your concerns, or simply have a conversation, there are contact forms available on the site—and I welcome all feedback, even from those who may not agree with everything I stand for. That’s the beauty of liberty.

At the moment, I am few signatures short for my nomination in our riding, I have a way for people to send their signature or collect signatures from others at – Nomination – Nickel Belt Libertarians.

Together, we can restore freedom, responsibility, and dignity in our communities.

David Bettney, SDP candidate for Mayor of Doncaster

David Bettney is the SDP candidate for Mayor of Doncaster. We spoke with David about his decision to stand.

“I am a former Regimental Sergeant Major who served 22 years in the British Army, and for the last 15 years I have been building and running successful companies”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?

My name is David Bettney, and I am a former Regimental Sergeant Major who served 22 years in the British Army, and for the last 15 years I have been building and running successful companies (Construction, Logistics & Security) in the Middle East, employing over 350 people.

I decided to run for Doncaster Mayor, as I ran as South Yorkshire Mayor last year, and I came 3rd in the Doncaster area, beating the Lib Dems and Green’s vote combined.

“my top priority is to generate well paying jobs, to give Doncaster a much needed cash injection”

You’re the candidate for Mayor of Doncaster. What are the main concerns in the area?

There are many concerns, with freezing pensioners and antisocial behaviour, being very high up on the list (and I have a school’s program, to go into the schools and talk to the kids, about how I, and others from disadvantaged backgrounds, achieved a lot in the forces with the right mentors, and how can play a huge part in making our city a great place to live). But my top priority is to generate well paying jobs, to give Doncaster a much needed cash injection.

“We have become a giant NGO, without asking the people first, if they actually want to sponsor the world’s inhabitants to come here”

What do you see as the major issues more widely that if election you would use the profile of the role to champion?

The wider issues would be to use the platform to stop the invasion on the South coast, and remove anybody here illegally, just the same as British citizens face when abroad if they have incorrect or no paperwork. We have become a giant NGO, without asking the people first, if they actually want to sponsor the world’s inhabitants to come here and live on our small island!

It’s simple, we either choose to use the law or we become lawless 🙁 

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?

Go to the SDP website to get involved in your area, or contact me in South Yorkshire on [email protected]

You can also read more from David in our interview with him last year https://croydonconstitutionalists.uk/david-bettney-sdp/.

Paul Murphy, SDP candidate for the Runcorn & Helsby by-election

Paul Murphy is the SDP candidate in the Runcorn & Helsby by-election being held on May 1st. We spoke with Paul about his decision to stand.

“I care deeply about the constituency and the country and believe that together we can end the indifference that exists within our political system”

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run again?

I was born and raised in Bradford, West Yorkshire, but have lived in Cheshire for the last 10 years. I’ve now lived in Ashton Hayes for 3 years with my wife, daughter and 2 dogs.

I’m not a career politician; I’ve worked in IT as a Product Manager for 22 years. I’ve spent the majority of that time focusing on finding out what people want, then working to deliver it.

As a typical no-nonsense Yorkshireman, I can assure you that with me what you see is what you get. I care deeply about the constituency and the country and believe that together we can end the indifference that exists within our political system.

I decided to stand again for very similar reasons to why I stood last time, people deserve the opportunity to have a real say in the running of the country, something that they do not get considering how similar the two major parties are.

“From the need for well-paying industrialised jobs, to the erosion of the basic services that we all rely on – we can all see that the UK is heading in the wrong direction”

What do you see as the major local concerns for residents in the constituency?

The main concerns haven’t changed since the general election, people feel that the government is out of touch and have a general indifference to the daily lives for their constituents. From the need for well-paying industrialised jobs, to the erosion of the basic services that we all rely on – we can all see that the UK is heading in the wrong direction, and I feel that the SDP is best placed to get the country back on track.

“The reindustrialisation of the UK economy is the area that would be my main goal in parliament”

If elected, what national issues do you hope to champion?

The reindustrialisation of the UK economy is the area that would be my main goal in parliament. The country will simply be unable to grow until we start to produce things for ourselves.

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?

I’d advise people to check out our website, sdp.org.uk. In particular our general election manifesto Homecoming – as well as watching many of the SDP videos on YouTube, or the excellent SDP podcast, Take Me Home.

You can also find out more in our previous interview with Paul.

Julie Carter, Independent candidate for South Acton ward in Ealing

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.

“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”

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?”

“A lifelong resident of Ealing, I have demonstrated commitment to public service as past governor of Ealing Hospital and Chiswick School”

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?

People can contact me at [email protected].

Marco Manassero, Reform UK candidate for South Acton ward in Ealing

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, Reform UK candidate for Hanger Hill ward in Ealing

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, Reform UK candidate for Putney

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.

You can also contact me at [email protected].