Category: Interview

Sandy Mcdougall, SDP candidate for Clapham Park ward in Lambeth.

With local elections across London in May, we speak with Sandy Mcdougall, SDP candidate for Clapham Park ward in London Borough of Lambeth.

“I don’t think local authorities should have positions on international affairs. The focus should be resolutely local”

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

I am 59 years old. I’m Scottish and have lived in London since 1990, in Lambeth since 1996. I work in local government. I decided to run as I think I could make a positive contribution to my local area, and a loss of faith in how local government is being run at the moment. For instance, I don’t think local authorities should have positions on international affairs. The focus should be resolutely local. 

“I will push the Council and Ringway to fix pavement hazards fast, including autumn leaf build-up.”

You’re the prospective candidate for Clapham Park ward. What are the main concerns in the area?

Community safety: ASB and crime

  • I will work with the Safer Neighbourhoods Team for patrols, ANPR at hotspots, and Community Trigger action on persistent ASB.

Local environment: fly-tipping and pavements

  • I will push the Council and Ringway to fix pavement hazards fast, including autumn leaf build-up.
  • On fly-tipping, I will target hotspots with covert cameras, demand rapid removals, and act against repeat offenders.

Regeneration and amenities

  • I will press for shops and facilities to open early, so services keep pace with new homes.
  • Kings Avenue Hub: deliver the community centre and retail/leisure on time.
  • Market Square: get it active early with pop-ups and events.
  • Commercial strategy: prioritise affordable units for independents.

I will support resident-led initiatives and attend the Residents Committee quarterly.

More widely what do you see as the major issues that if elected you hope to champion?

My approach is to focus on ward priorities and core services, delivering value for money.

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

I am on X – @SandyMcD_SDP and more information on the SDP can be found on our website – https://sdp.org.uk.

“My approach is to focus on ward priorities and core services, delivering value for money”

Steve Gardner, SDP candidate for Hillingdon East ward in London Borough of Hillingdon.

With local elections across London in May, we speak with Steve Gardner, SDP candidate for Hillingdon East ward in London Borough of Hillingdon.

“People want to and have a right to feel safe in their community and homes. We do have a safer neighbourhood team for the ward, but this is understaffed and overworked”

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

My name is Steve Gardner and I’m standing for the SDP in the London ward of Hillingdon East, where I live along with most of my family.

You’re the prospective candidate for Hillingdon East ward, what are the major concerns in the area?

From speaking to those who live in the area and from my own observations, I would say the main concerns are community safety, HMO overdevelopment and fly tipping. Obviously, there are others, but these are three that come up quite often.

Hillingdon East is quite a nice place to live but there are anti-social issues that need addressing. People want to and have a right to feel safe in their community and homes. We do have a safer neighbourhood team for the ward, but this is understaffed and overworked. I don’t think this problem is just in this ward; I think it’s common all over London. More must be done when it comes to community Policing and safety.

“making it cheaper for commercial waste to be disposed of at local refuse sites might help to reduce fly tipping so there is a lot to consider”

HMOs are another major concern, especially with the migrant hotels closing. We are quite close to Heathrow and there are a few migrant hotels there so the Borough as a whole is under pressure to accommodate not just its own residents, but many others that have ended up here. There are a few HMO applications in the ward and to be honest, it’s difficult for the infrastructure to accommodate them. Additionally, HMO’s result in a loss of family housing, an increase in waste management, an increase in tenant turnover which can lead to an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour and an increase in parking issues and traffic. Most houses accommodate two car families, but HMOs can have up to four or five cars.

As for fly tipping, this is common all over the borough and so much more needs to be done. Installing covert cameras in known hotspots and increased penalties are needed and the seizure and crushing of vehicles involved needs to be rigorously enforced. Additionally, making it cheaper for commercial waste to be disposed of at local refuse sites might help to reduce fly tipping so there is a lot to consider.

More widely what do you see as the big issues for the London Borough of Hillingdon and what if elected what would you hope to champion?

According to residents and local reports, the biggest issues in the London Borough of Hillingdon include a severe shortage of affordable housing and high homelessness rates, rising antisocial behavior and concerns over high-density, low-quality Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). People are also concerned about the state of the Council’s finances and the Heathrow expansion.

I would certainly champion a more robust Policing policy as this, in my opinion, would do a lot to alleviate many problems people are concerned about. The politicians have massively let down the Police who have been unable to carry out their jobs properly. They should be supported, backed and encouraged to proactively police our communities to make them safer.

Additionally, I’m passionate about a sense of community so affordable housing with priority given to Hillingdon residents is also high on my list. Cheaper housing is also an SDP policy which we have been championing for years.

“I’m passionate about a sense of community so affordable housing with priority given to Hillingdon residents is also high on my list”

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

I’m on social media so either on my twitter page @SGardnerSDP, or via Facebook @SDPNWLondon. 

I can also be contacted via email on steve.gardner@sdp.org.uk

More information on the SDP can be found on our website – https://sdp.org.uk.

Bernard Giltrap, SDP candidate for Earlsdon ward in Coventry.

With local elections in large parts of the country in May, we speak with Bernard Giltrap, SDP candidate for Earlsdon ward in Coventry.

“Residents are tired of seeing our local heritage neglected, our basic services failing, and major changes being imposed on our streets without proper consultation”

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

I’m Bernard Giltrap, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for Earlsdon in Coventry. I decided to run because I am deeply frustrated by the complacency of the current Labour run council and the lack of genuine accountability. Residents are tired of seeing our local heritage neglected, our basic services failing, and major changes being imposed on our streets without proper consultation. I wanted to offer a community focused alternative that actually listens to the people who live and work here.

“we need a council that actually protects Earlsdon Street”

You’re the candidate for Earlsdon Ward, Coventry. What are the main concerns in the area?

There are four major issues I want to focus on:

Earlsdon Street: Earlsdon Street is being dragged down by derelict sites. Over a year ago, the front of a historic building (the old NatWest) was demolished without permission in our Conservation Area. The council is using a planning appeal as an excuse to do the bare minimum, leaving a scaffolded eyesore. I am demanding the council launch an immediate criminal prosecution. Earlsdon Street (a main shopping area) has lost a lot of its independent traders and variety of shops over the years, and we need a council that actually protects Earlsdon Street.

Fly tipping: We have a serious problem with illegal dumping in communal bins and rear entries, creating genuine public health and pest control hazards near our homes and restaurants.

Crime & ASB: There has been a concerning rise in vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly around local car parks. Residents shouldn’t be losing vehicles from their own streets.

Transport & Road Closures: I’ll demand a review of the Liveable neighbourhood scheme with real resident Input. 

“I hope to champion transparency and accountability. I want to back our local independent businesses, protect our community assets….”

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

More widely across Coventry, the major issue is a fundamental disconnect between the council and the taxpayers. Whether it’s the chaotic rollout of traffic schemes, the failure to protect our local heritage from reckless developers, or basic services like street cleaning and reliable public transport falling by the wayside, the council has stopped getting the basics right.

If elected, I hope to champion transparency and accountability. I want to back our local independent businesses, protect our community assets, and ensure that local people have the final say on what happens to their neighbourhoods.

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

Voters can find out more about the broader SDP platform at SDP.org.uk. For local updates on the Earlsdon campaign, they can follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sdp.earlsdon or email me directly at Bernard.Giltrap@sdp.org.uk

Tam Laird, Scottish Libertarian Party Candidate, Edinburgh Central Constituency and Edinburgh Lothians East Regional List.

May 2026 sees Scottish Parliament elections with seats being offered both for constituencies and regional lists.  We speak with Tam Laird, Scottish Libertarian Party Candidate, Edinburgh Central Constituency and Edinburgh Lothians East Regional List.

“People need to understand that government is the problem and that the less of it we have the better for everyone. That’s my message to the voter.”

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

I’ve been Leader of the Scottish Libertarian Party for over 10 years and have stood in many elections now. Council, Scottish Parliamentary and UK. Though I have little to no faith in democracy or the Parliamentary system, at the end of the day the primary function of any political party is to stand in elections. Speaking personally though, my mission is primarily didactic. Standing in elections is just another way of getting our message of peace, freedom and free markets out there.

People need to understand that government is the problem and that the less of it we have the better for everyone. That’s my message to the voter. That said, government isn’t just going to disappear because we wish it away. If you don’t fight it will continue to ride roughshod over your freedom and rob you of your property and possibly even your life. As Peter Gabriel observed in The Carpet Crawlers, “We got to get in to get out”.

“The so called cost of living crisis is in fact a cost of government crisis. The challenge we face is that more and more people are on the receiving end of the bribe-ocracy.”

You’re the prospective candidate for Edinburgh Central and on the Edinburgh Lothians East Regional List. What are the main concerns in the area?

The problems we face in the constituency and region I’m contesting are no different to anywhere else in the country. Out of control government spending and interference in private lives and business. Our message is not a popular one. We aren’t going to give you free stuff, and any “free” stuff you are getting from government we are going to do our level best to take away. The so called cost of living crisis is in fact a cost of government crisis. The challenge we face is that more and more people are on the receiving end of the bribe-ocracy.

Scotland has a massive public sector and much of the alleged private sector are in fact secondary tax consumers through government contracts. Even that old Bolshevik George Galloway has recognised that is simply unsustainable. It will come crashing down badly and the poor and middle classes will suffer as usual. We have no illusions. There’s an old saying,. If a man is not a socialist by the time he’s 20 he has no heart. If he’s still a socialist by 30 he has no brain. I take it one step further. If he’s still a socialist at 50 he’s probably Scottish. People don’t want to hear the truth but they are going to. Unfortunately, it won’t win us many votes, but that’s the lay of the land.

“I fight the fight because I believe it’s right. Not necessarily because I believe I can win. Though I have hope.”

What do you see as the major issues that if elected you hope to champion?

The state assault on Individual rights and liberties is ramping up and is at critical stage. Free speech and free expression have never been in such grave danger. Before long we will have sleepwalked into a totalitarian state. We are in many respects already there. It may even be too late to reverse which is frightening thought. If central bank digital currency (CBDC) coupled with digital ID come in its game set and match to the state. We have to fight, there’s no choice. I fight the fight because I believe it’s right. Not necessarily because I believe I can win. Though I have hope. I’ll let others decide which is the more reliable motivation. State funded mass immigration is also a problem. So again, Government is the root of all evil. As long as it has the power to rob you and spend your money these problems will persist.

I also intend to be a consistent anti war voice. All wars are bankers wars and benefit a select few at the expense of ordinary working folk. We can’t afford it financially or in terms of human lives. I say this as a former soldier who put his life on the line. Unlike many of the chest beating sabre rattling warmongers who are prepared to send others to die for their beliefs.

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

You can follow us on X @ScoLibertarian or visit our website at www.scottishlibertarians.com and read our 2026 Manifesto at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rbi1nzoqkkgkzldjnvoy2/Scottish-Libertarian-Manifesto-2026.pdf?rlkey=kbnw6vcsxm5s3mpgoaykauuqb&e=1&st=z4g96fo8&dl=0

A Theoretical Proposal for Fiscal Discipline and Debt Management – an interview with Josh L. Ascough

UK public sector net debt was at 96.4% of GDP as of the end of August 2025 and the level of debt at its highest since the early 1960s.  These problems are not unique to the UK and many time writer for the Croydon Constitutionalists, Josh L. Ascough released a new book ‘A Theoretical Proposal for Fiscal Discipline and Debt Management‘ that addresses this issue seen across the western world.  We speak with Josh.

“government or specific politician is looking to obtain a political legacy by creating a large infrastructure project; I think a certain HS2 project comes to most people’s minds”

Can you give our readers a brief overview of the book?

A Theoretical Proposal for Fiscal Discipline and Debt Management examines the risks of unconstrained debt spending by governments by examining the inevitable trade-offs and what is referred to as GAP (Government Agency Problems) that occur when governments have, in practice, no limit to their debt spending. Some of these are over-investment of government projects, where loose access to debt financing can encourage governments to maintain investment in projects whose costs have risen beyond their initial evaluation and assumed benefits, and legacy, where a government or specific politician is looking to obtain a political legacy by creating a large infrastructure project; I think a certain HS2 project comes to most people’s minds when they hear these two. And finally, the book ends with proposal a fiscal rule to limit the level of debt spending.

Your book proposes a 1.25 Rule, without giving away too much, what are the basics of the rule?

The 1.25 is a fiscal ratio that targets a maximum level of debt spending in relation to the nominal tax revenue the government receives and works in a similar fashion to the debt-to-equity finance in corporate finance models. For a simple example if we suppose the government revenue is 500 billion, then according to the ratio the government would have a maximum of 625 billion it could spend via debt. This would create the incentive for governments to effectively and efficiently allocate public resources into areas that will have long-term benefits with high long-term payoffs while still maintaining enough debt spending for initial investments into public works and as a reserve for crisis.

“create the incentive for governments to effectively and efficiently allocate public resources into areas that will have long-term benefits with high long-term payoffs”

This is your second book, your first being ‘Inflation and Monetary Policy: Understanding the Origins and Costs’.  What were a couple of key points from that book?

A major point was that when working on a novel approach to the Environmental Kuznets Curve; which measures the relationship between income per capita and environmental degradation, and typically shows that as countries become richer, they reach a certain point where they’re able to afford more environmentally friendly and sustainable policies and sources of energy. However the problem is the curve uses nominal income rather than being adjusted for inflation, and so the work I did showed that when adjusted for inflation, many countries are in what I called a treadmill state, whereby inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of income per capita, leading to a continuing loop of environmental policies being unaffordable; so those who argue for more environmental protection policies should first look to stabilise and reduce inflation.

Another key point would be Nominal Gross Domestic Product (NGDP) targeting which ties to my second book, as I suggest combining the 1.25 rule as a fiscal policy with NGDP targeting as a monetary policy. In the first book however NGDP targeting is suggested as an alternative to inflation targeting and as a second-best solution to a truly free banking system, as it is able to emulate the monetary equilibrium that the free banking area naturally provided, but as a proxy, and would be able to respond to supply and demand shocks more appropriately than inflation targeting.

“those who argue for more environmental protection policies should first look to stabilise and reduce inflation”

How can people get these books, and more generally get in touch?  (you don’t have to answer the get in touch part unless want)

People can find these books on Amazon for relatively cheap prices, the first is £12.99 and the newest book is £7.99. I keep prices down for my work as the money from them isn’t as important to me as getting the research and the final work out into the public.

A Theoretical Proposal for Fiscal Discipline and Debt Management – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Theoretical-Proposal-Fiscal-Discipline-Management/dp/B0FWRLPV3R/ref=sr_1_1

Inflation and Monetary Policy: Understanding the Origins and Costs – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inflation-Monetary-Policy-Understanding-Origins/dp/B0F91P73RV/ref=sr_1_2

You can read more from Josh on our site at https://croydonconstitutionalists.uk/category/josh-l-ascough/

Interview with Daniel Tebbutt Deputy Chair of Reform UK Croydon

Reform UK has been busy setting up branches across the country.  In June we published details of the new Chair of the then newly formed Croydon branch of Reform UK.  Former Councillor Daniel Tebbutt has recently been appointed the Deputy Chair of the branch.  He writes for us about his path to this new role below.

“I got my friends and family involved to help deliver leaflets, and when people asked me “aren’t you a bit young for this?”, I responded, “age doesn’t matter when you’re as passionate as I am”

Residents deserve to know who and what they are voting for – I pride myself on being open and transparent when it comes to my political record.

I joined Labour at 15 years old, I was a big believer in Jeremy Corbyn and he appealed to me, as he did so many other young people at that time.

I was elected on a Labour ticket as a District Councillor at the age of 18. I worked hard to get elected, I got my friends and family involved to help deliver leaflets, and when people asked me “aren’t you a bit young for this?”, I responded, “age doesn’t matter when you’re as passionate as I am”. That’s what I was and have always been, passionate about delivering meaningful, lasting change.

So here I was, 18-year-old local lad now a part of a Labour Group, I still remember the excitement of stepping into the chamber for the first time – there’s nothing quite like it!

“Shortly afterwards, as I had lost all faith in the party and its principles, I resigned my Labour whip and sat as an Independent. Do I regret my decision? No”

Over the following months, I consulted a Conservative Cabinet Member who was more knowledgeable on planning than I was.  A controversial application had been submitted in my ward and I sought some advice on how to approach this.

There was no ‘cloak and dagger’ or stealth involved, a simple coffee and chat at the local coffee shop.

On discovering my conversation with the Cabinet Member, I was ordered to attend a meeting at the council offices with Labour Group Officers. Amongst other things, an individual who was clearly furious mentioned that “Tories should be put up against a wall and shot”, I was horrified. I still remember to this day, my shock at this statement.

Shortly afterwards, as I had lost all faith in the party and its principles, I resigned my Labour whip and sat as an Independent. Do I regret my decision? No, because I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking it.

I soon realised that I wasn’t able to deliver on my promises to residents as an Independent Councillor, I simply didn’t have the experience or the network behind me. These were a couple of reasons why I joined the Local Conservatives.

“One of the duties I enjoy most is collaborating with the membership – I’m determined to drive Reform’s agenda for renewal and will work to get as many councillors in Croydon as possible”

On leaving Leicestershire and moving to Croydon in 2022, I re-joined the Labour Party as I thought that was where I belonged. I’d got materially involved in Croydon Labour in 2024, supported the mayoral campaign (even writing a policy document!), and became an officer. I applied to be a Councillor and was offered an interview, which I declined.

Almost as soon as Labour entered Government, they started breaking promises. I sat back, like many others who voted for Labour in the General Election and thought “I didn’t vote for this. I didn’t vote for vulnerable people, pensioners, farmers to be targeted”, I was losing faith in Starmer and the party leadership.

And then over the summer of 2025, Starmer announced that the UK Government would recognise Palestine as a state in September, if a ceasefire wasn’t agreed. A move which terrorist organisation, Hamas – celebrated, and in turn, betraying one of the UK’s closest allies, Israel. For me, this was the final nail in the coffin. I drafted my resignation letter, cut up my membership card and left Labour – I no longer felt represented by this party.

On leaving Labour I felt, and still feel, that I can make a positive difference through politics, I’m passionate about improving the lives of people. My mission is to help renew Croydon, forging it into a Borough that fills residents with pride. This is why I joined Reform UK – a party that I’m proud to be a member of, one that aligns with my beliefs.

Owing to my experience, I was asked to take up the role of Interim Deputy Chair of Reform UK Croydon, I accepted. One of the duties I enjoy most is collaborating with the membership – I’m determined to drive Reform’s agenda for renewal and will work to get as many councillors in Croydon as possible. I believe only Reform can fix Croydon after almost two decades of managed decline.

You can find out more about Dan on his Facebook Page, you can also follow Reform Croydon on Facebook, Twitter (X), and online at https://reformukcroydon.co.uk/.

Julia Searle, Reform UK Candidate for the Lingfield, Crowhurst & Tandridge Ward by-election.

Julia Searle is the Reform UK candidate for the 6th November, Lingfield, Crowhurst & Tandridge ward by-election in Tandridge. We spoke with Julia about her decision to stand.

“I’m a fighter and I’m here to be heard, to stand up for local people’s viewpoints and change sickness into healthy progress”

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

I’ve lived in Surrey all my life. I have brought up my children in my property for the last 27 years. I have been a Parent/Teacher and Chairperson at my local infants’ school in Dormansland, as well as my children attending Lingfield Primary School before going on to senior schools.

I’ve always been an independent thinker; I’ve set up and run multiple businesses that I still run after 17 years. I’ve had the challenge of bringing up my children on my own, making ends meet and paying my mortgage.

Over the years, I have stood in local elections, I’ve stood in Reigate as an MP candidate and for Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey. I’m pretty well versed with understanding the impact of government involvement at local level and the sickness that is spreading into our local communities as a result, particularly the relaxed planning laws. I’m not frightened about voicing my opinions, they need to be voiced.

I’m not frightened to object to ridiculous local council decisions on excessive council taxes and lack of realistically affordable housing. 

I’m a fighter and I’m here to be heard, to stand up for local people’s viewpoints and change sickness into healthy progress.

“We have a ridiculous decision by the Labour government to allow farmers to change agricultural land into solar farms. what a blight on the landscape!”

You’re the candidate for Lingfield & Crowhurst ward. What are the main concerns in the area?

My policies are around protecting the green belt, using brown field sites for housing and making it affordable for young people to get on the property ladder.

I often speak with local residents about their concerns. We have a ridiculous decision by the Labour government to allow farmers to change agricultural land into solar farms. what a blight on the landscape! 

Is this not insane?

There is an elephant in the room. For many years, the local Conservatives – and now Labour – have been turning a blind eye to unauthorised traveller sites, which are blighting the green belt.

In both Bones Lane Lingfield and just outside Lingfield towards the Mormon Temple, there is an unmatched level of activity where mobile homes are being put in fields.

The council is weak and slow. New rules to tackle this spread before green belt becomes a thing of the past and council taxpayers’ foot the bill for people who do not want to pay any tax. 

Lastly, we have young people and war veterans locally cannot get onto the property ladder. They have lived in the area for much of their lives but housing is not affordable. Waiting lists are long and the wrong people jump the queue. This needs to be addressed now. 

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

As I’ve said above any of the issues I’ve mentioned are major. I’m a fearless person; I can hold others to account and challenge poor decisions. Let’s change local laws on removing unauthorised housing sites from green belt land in Tandridge. 

I want to ensure we get solar farms on brownfield sites OR pay businesses to have them on their land and get them off agricultural green belt.  I believe we also need a scheme that works for the young and veterans for actual affordable housing.

“we have young people and war veterans locally cannot get onto the property ladder. They have lived in the area for much of their lives but housing is not affordable”

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

My leaflets will be distributed to local residents soon, please vote for me. Become a candidate for Reform or even join our local Reform meetings by contacting our local Chair Chris Scott at  eastsurrey@reformparty.uk.

Jacqueline Thomson, Reform UK Candidate for the Caterham Valley division by-election.

Jacqueline Thomson is the Reform UK candidate for the 16th October, Caterham Valley division by-election in Surrey. We spoke with Jacqueline about her decision to stand.

“I know that the fresh approach offered by REFORM UK is what our country badly needs”

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

My name is Jacqueline Thomson I have three grown up children, three grandchildren and a very supportive husband. I am now retired. Previously I dedicated my career to the South East Coast Ambulance Service and before that, I worked at Life Care, Caterham-On-The-Hill looking after people with learning disabilities.  

I have always been interested in how our country is run. I feel very strongly that ordinary people like me have been completely ignored for many years and now I am retired I want to get more involved with our future Government. I know that the fresh approach offered by REFORM UK is what our country badly needs. I am tremendously honoured that REFORM UK has given me the opportunity to represent Caterham Valley in the Bye Election on 16th. October 2025.   

You’re the candidate for Caterham Valley division. What are the main concerns in the area?

The concerns that keep being raised include:

  • Croydon Road Works  – Delays to the Croydon Road redevelopment work caused by issues with existing drainage. 
  • Flooding  – Often caused by poor drainage 
  • Parish Council Merger  – The proposal to merge the Caterham Hill and Caterham Valley Parish Councils. 
  • Town masterplan – Looking at a broader vision for the development of the Hill and Valley communities. 

“I have always been interested in how our country is run. I feel very strongly that ordinary people like me have been completely ignored for many years”

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

  • Cost of living crisis –This leading to increased demand for crisis support
  • Crime and Community – Retail theft, anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, child exploitation, serious and organised crime. 
  • Infrastructure and Highways  – Pothole problems, poor road surfaces and pavements, issues with trees and hedges. 

I would like to especially champion solutions to reduce the abuse of children and solve the pothole problems.

Jonathan Rollason, Reform UK Candidate for the Dunster division by-election.

Jonathan Rollason is the Reform UK candidate for the 23rd October, Dunster division by-election in Somerset. We spoke with Jonathan about his decision to stand.

“I decided to stand for election because I want to ensure that local voices are heard loud and clear in decisions that affect our daily lives”

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

I’ve lived in this community for many years and care deeply about the people and places that make it so special. I decided to stand for election because I want to ensure that local voices are heard loud and clear in decisions that affect our daily lives. Too often, residents feel that choices are made without them – I want to change that by being an accessible, accountable councillor who works with the community, not just on its behalf.

“A particular concern locally is the uncertainty around Minehead Hospital. Many people rely on it for essential services, and there’s real anxiety about the future of those services being reduced or centralised further away”

You’re the candidate for Dunster division ward. What are the main concerns in the area?

Dunster and the surrounding villages are proud, close-knit communities, but there are real challenges. Residents are worried about the lack of affordable housing for local people, the pressure on rural transport, and the need to protect our environment while supporting local businesses and tourism. Flooding, road safety, and access to services for older residents also come up again and again.

A particular concern locally is the uncertainty around Minehead Hospital. Many people rely on it for essential services, and there’s real anxiety about the future of those services being reduced or centralised further away. Protecting and strengthening the hospital’s role is vital if we want to make sure local people can get the care they need without long, difficult journeys.

“Somerset has huge potential, but we need a council that invests in people and places fairly, not just in the bigger towns”

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

Across Somerset, many of the issues are shared – affordable housing, the future of farming, protecting our beautiful countryside, and ensuring our young people have opportunities to stay and thrive here. I’m particularly keen to champion better infrastructure for rural communities, stronger support for small businesses, and more joined-up action on climate and nature recovery. Somerset has huge potential, but we need a council that invests in people and places fairly, not just in the bigger towns.

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

I’d love to hear from anyone who has questions, concerns, or ideas. People can get in touch by email chair.tivertonminehead@reformuk.com, or come along to one of the campaign events. Whether it’s displaying a poster, joining us on the doorstep, or just having a conversation, every bit of support matters – because this campaign is about working together for Dunster and Somerset.

Dale Layman, Reform UK Candidate for the Guildford South East ward by-election.

Dale Laymanis the Reform UK candidate for the 16th October Guildford South East ward by-election in Surrey. We spoke with Dale about his decision to stand.

“Like many people, I felt let down by the Conservatives, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats offer nothing more than managed decline. Reform UK is different”

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

My name is Dale Layman, and I’ve lived in Guildford for over 30 years. After training for three years in Eastbourne, I began my career as a state-registered chiropodist in the NHS before moving into pharmaceutical sales. From “carrying the bag” as a representative, I worked my way up to become a national sales manager, enjoying more than 20 years of success in the industry before taking early retirement.

I joined Reform UK because, quite simply, I was tired of just complaining about the state of the country. Like many people, I felt let down by the Conservatives, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats offer nothing more than managed decline. Reform UK is different. We believe in controlled borders, safe streets, freedom of speech, hard work rewarded on merit, and energy security based on common sense, not net-zero dogma.

I didn’t join this party to make up the numbers. I believe my skills and drive can help take Reform forward locally and, in doing so, make a real difference to the lives of my fellow residents. Standing as a candidate is the obvious next step.

“Residents deserve practical, affordable policies that deliver real benefits — not expensive, ideological experiments”

You’re the candidate for Guildford South East ward. What are the main concerns in the area?

In Guildford South East, the concerns mirror those across much of Guildford — and Surrey as a whole — and they are deeply troubling. Residents pay some of the highest council taxes in the country but receive some of the poorest services in return.

Guildford Borough Council’s flagship Weyside Urban Village project is running a multi-million-pound deficit, while auditors have issued a “disclaimer of opinion” on the council’s accounts — a red flag for taxpayers. Meanwhile, developments such as the Guildford Cathedral site and North Street remain stalled, blocked, or watered down.

Housing pressures must be addressed, but building more homes is not enough — the infrastructure must come with it: schools, roads, and social care. I will prioritise brownfield regeneration, sustainable communities, and smarter use of derelict sites over unsustainable greenfield sprawl.

I also want to see common-sense transport policies that support motorists rather than punish them. That means opposing ULEZ-style charges, blanket 20mph zones, unaffordable energy schemes, and costly Vision Zero measures. Residents deserve practical, affordable policies that deliver real benefits — not expensive, ideological experiments.

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

The challenges across Surrey are systemic. Financial mismanagement and poor decision-making have left Surrey County Council’s debt soaring by 48% in just one year — from £728.9 million to £1.07 billion. That burden falls directly on taxpayers and drains money away from vital services such as schools, roads, libraries, and social care.

If elected, I will fight to stop wasteful projects and restore financial discipline. Surrey residents deserve transparency, accountability and value for money. My priorities are:

  • Sound finances: tackling mismanagement so taxpayers’ money funds frontline services, not vanity schemes.
  • Sensible housing policy: development that’s planned responsibly, with infrastructure and services to match.
  • Transport freedom: rejecting punitive, anti-car policies and supporting measures that genuinely ease congestion and improve safety.

Above all, I want Surrey residents to feel their voices are heard, their money is respected, and their concerns are acted upon.

“The challenges across Surrey are systemic. Financial mismanagement and poor decision-making have left Surrey County Council’s debt soaring by 48% in just one year”

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

If you’d like to get involved, please email our Chair, Graham Drage, at chair.guildford@guildfordreform.uk