Interview – Page 7 – Croydon Constitutionalists

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 david.bettney@sdp.org.uk

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.

Ashley Dickenson, Christian Peoples Alliance candidate for the 10th April Sutton Central ward by-election

Ashley Dickenson is the Christian Peoples Alliance (CPA) candidate for the Sutton Central ward by-election in the London Borough of Sutton. We spoke with Ashley about his decision to stand.

“I’m running to promote the Christian Peoples Alliance in this Borough and not least our policies that could benefit Sutton High Street that’s in this ward”

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

I’m running to promote the Christian Peoples Alliance in this Borough and not least our policies that could benefit Sutton High Street that’s in this ward. For example, our turnover tax of 5% on turnovers of at least £85,000, offset against corporation tax, in order to reduce business rates that have cost us our High Street shops. Just earlier this month I read of an independent coffee shop, Tazza, that has been forced to close owing to the ‘chain’ coffee shops in Sutton. OK this is an issue that needs to be addressed at a national level but, if elected, this is what I would raise, given the opportunity.

On a more practical level: school buses! Given that more money has been raised through the ULEZ scheme, is it not possible that a % of that could not fund school buses to reduce school-run traffic and thereby reduce even further any pollution, to say nothing of increasing road works owing to the pressure on our roads. At one time the Tramlink was proposed for Sutton: this will be pointless unless there’s a re-vitalisation of our High Street, not least through independent and family-run businesses.

“At least one main concern brought to my attention is the site of the former B & Q on which it is proposed to build new developments called Chalk Green. Not least the increased pressure on one of our Health Centres”

You’re the candidate for Sutton Central. What are the main concerns in the area?

At least one main concern brought to my attention is the site of the former B & Q on which it is proposed to build new developments called Chalk Green. Not least the increased pressure on one of our Health Centres; the limited parking which means that homeowners who own cars will have to park (creating ‘overflows’) on nearby roads, adding to parking pressures.

“Time and again I have witnessed overcrowding on our regular routes by pupils. If our excellent schools had their own buses, this would go a long way to alleviating the ‘school run’ traffic”

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

The housing issue as well as speeding restrictions. The latter as, if you’re going to have 20 mph imposed on some roads then drivers will increase speeds on other roads to make up ‘for lost time’ as it were and so risk accidents and breaking the speed limit, even 30 mph. Regarding roads, I refer you back to the need for school buses.

The benefits of a school bus:

Children are always on time
They can make new friends
Children learn to look after their things
Children learn about time management
Lower accident/crime rate against our children
Parents’ peace of mind.
It would restore the face-to-face contact between friends considering the enforced separation of each other since this pandemic started. As:

When children are being driven to school they contact friends via mobile or tablet. A school bus encourages more natural contact and would help reduce over-dependency on technology, as marvellous as it is. Though I accept that contact via mobiles will still take place, even on buses.

Time and again I have witnessed overcrowding on our regular routes by pupils. If our excellent schools had their own buses, this would go a long way to alleviating the ‘school run’ traffic. We have excellent schools in this Borough.

Also: leaves! They are not swept away as regularly as they should be and those that are left I take it on myself to use as compost for our shared garden. The more upswept leaves end up inside our drains they are blocking the same and so rainwater is not efficiently or sufficiently dealt with.

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

You can find out more about the CPA at https://cpaparty.net/ and contact Ashley at ashley.dickenson@yahoo.co.uk.

Joanna Bishop, Reform UK candidate for the 10th April Sutton Central ward by-election

Joanna Bishop is the Reform UK candidate for the Sutton Central ward by-election in the London Borough of Sutton. We spoke with Joanna about her decision to stand.

“I felt we had been gradually suffocated by the red tape and regulations putting a strain on businesses and making the future seem quite bleak”

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

My name is Joanna Bishop and I am standing in the Sutton Central ward by-election for the London Borough of Sutton. I have lived in Sutton for 23 years and the wider local area for my entire life.

I decided to run as a candidate having become disillusioned with the successive governments over the past couple of decades. I have always followed politics to a degree but I never felt compelled to join a party before. I started to pay more attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it struck me how badly our country was being run. I felt we had been gradually suffocated by the red tape and regulations putting a strain on businesses and making the future seem quite bleak. Nigel Farage has been on my radar for some time, and I have massive respect for his bravery in standing up and challenging the establishment. I read every word of Reforms contract to the people before the July 2024 general election, and it resonated with me in such a way that I felt compelled to not only vote for Reform but to get stuck in and help.

I have a burning desire to help Reform flourish from grass roots up. I feel like local residents have become so used to inefficient and sometimes incompetent councillors that that’s what they now expect. I would love to turn that around and establish a local support network where I can meet and speak with residents on local issues.

“Sutton high street is the target of shoplifters and local residential properties and vehicles are being targeted by thieves on a regular basis”

You’re the candidate for Sutton Central. What are the main concerns in the area?

Although the violent crime rate is low in Sutton in comparison to the other London boroughs it is still prevalent, and residents would like to see more police presence on our streets. Sutton high street is the target of shoplifters and local residential properties and vehicles are being targeted by thieves on a regular basis.

Local residents have been calling out for their council representative to be accessible and for their concerns to be listened to. I pledge to be a strong voice on the council so that the resident’s voices will finally be heard.

“The council needs to spend the residents’ tax more wisely and cut waste”

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

Overhaul Suttons infrastructure. Reduce the mass of restrictions on our roads. Reverse the ULEZ expansion. Better transport links and affordable housing. The council needs to spend the residents’ tax more wisely and cut waste.

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

You can find out more about Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/, follow us locally on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ReformUKCroydonSutton and get in touch by emailing us at chair.croydonsutton@reformuk.com.

“local residents have become so used to inefficient and sometimes incompetent councillors that that’s what they now expect. I would love to turn that around”

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 10^th 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 Juliecarterllm@yahoo.com.

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 10^th 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 marco4southacton@gmail.com. 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 10^th 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 fabpuka@yahoo.com. 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 putney@reformuk.com.

Maya Severyn, SDP Candidate for Waveney Valley

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?

You can find me on X/Twitter at @MayaSDP, email me at maya.severyn@sdp.org.uk, find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560565660579, and join us at https://sdp.nationbuilder.com/.

Ashley Dickenson, Christian Peoples Alliance candidate for Carshalton and Wallington

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?

I can be contacted via:
X/Twitter: @CPA_Party
Facebook: Christian-Peoples-Alliance UK-159505527405662
Email: Ashley.Dickenson@yahoo.co.uk