Category: LocalElections2025

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

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.

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! 

• For further information see planning application 2025/644, Crowhurst Speckled Wood and the Gaywood solar farm with Tandridge Planning proposals: https://tdcplanningsearch.tandridge.gov.uk/Default#TDCInfo
• Additionally the following is a news article relating to Lingfield solar farm: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c24v4y33gm0o

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.

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 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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Harry Phillips is the Reform UK candidate for the 16th October, Staines ward by-election in Spelthorne. We spoke with Harry about his decision to stand.

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’ve lived in Spelthorne all my life, growing up in Stanwell before moving to Staines two years ago. At 31, I run my own businesses in cosmetics and social media marketing while also training as an accountant. I decided to run because residents deserve a strong local voice—someone focused on real issues, not political games. I want to deliver tangible outcomes for Staines.

You’re the candidate for Staines ward. What are the main concerns in the area?
Residents tell me they’re worried about crime, anti-social behaviour, and the pace of overdevelopment. People want safer streets, a regenerated High Street and Elmsleigh Centre, and more investment in local infrastructure. Protecting green spaces is also a big concern, ensuring our town grows sustainably. My priority is listening to residents and working with them to deliver practical improvements for everyday life.

What do you see as the major issues more widely in Spelthorne and if elected what do you hope to champion?
Spelthorne has been let down by years of mismanagement, leaving finances unstable and services at risk. I want to challenge waste, stop “fire sales” of council assets, and focus on long-term investment that benefits residents. If elected, I’ll push for regeneration, progress on the River Thames Scheme, and policies that improve quality of life—while protecting our community from opportunistic overdevelopment.

How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
We’re always looking for local residents to get involved, whether that’s delivering leaflets, sharing campaign messages, or talking to neighbours. Anyone can contact our campaign team directly by emailing chair.spelthorne@reformuk.com, or if you have a leaflet scan the QR code to join or donate. Together, we can build a strong Reform UK voice in Spelthorne that puts residents and community first.

Marcus Harriott is the Reform UK candidate for the 16th October, Meadvale and St Johns ward by-election in Reigate and Banstead. We spoke with Marcus about his decision to stand.

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

I am a local man – born in London, my parents moved to Banstead when I was two.  I attended the local Primary School and I still live within a short distance of the ward.

I joined the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at grammar school, which gave me a taste for the outdoor life.  Later, I joined the Army (T.A.) where my training included parachuting, advanced medical courses (including Advanced Trauma Life Support), Mountain Leader and survival courses among others, and I was actually in Berlin when the wall (the Iron Curtain) came down!  That was an incredible and memorable event.

At the end of my forces career I served as an unpaid Army Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, imparting my knowledge, experience and motivation to the youngsters, although it was mostly about safeguarding and stopping them from doing daft things – the 14 and 15 year old boys all thought they were in the SAS once they put on a uniform!

During my civilian career I worked in several fields including oilfield engineering (I retain a keen interest in the oil industry), sales, travel and tourism, training, risk management and hospitality.

I am a member of the local rugby club and Residents Association and also the Campaign for Real Ale which supports pubs in the community.  My hobbies include horse racing (I have a tiny share in part of a racing syndicate) and I’m also very keen on old steam engines – I help to support the restoration and maintenance of several heritage steam locomotives.  It’s an expensive undertaking but great fun to see them in action.

Now fully retired, I feel that I have a lot of energy, experience and time to contribute to the area that I grew up in and love.  I take local issues very seriously and as your local councillor I will listen to your comments about road surfaces, speed safety, council tax charges and other concerns as an advocate for the residents of Meadvale and St John’s ward on Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.

You’re the candidate for Meadvale and St Johns ward. What are the main concerns in the area?

People have already expressed their concerns to me about local issues, in particular road surface maintenance (potholes) & road & speed safety (referring to narrow pavements especially near St. John’s Primary School, nursery & Church and local demand for a possible 20 mph limit in those areas).  I intend to lobby the Highways Authority at Surrey County Council on their behalf.  There is also the challenge of retaining useful community buildings for public use – for example, Meadvale Village Hall is now at risk of sale by St. Johns Church council.

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

Other residents have mentioned wider local issues such as increased traffic congestion in recent years, high parking charges in the town centres of Reigate & Redhill, & the decline of local shopping centre High Streets with too many flea markets & charity shops.  I also intend to champion the rights of local residents where they are impinged by policies imposed at national & county level.

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

For more information or to get involved in my campaign, please contact me via the Reigate branch of Reform UK at chair.reigate@reformuk.com, you can also find out more about the branch at https://www.reformukreigate.co.uk/.