Arlene Dearlove is the Reform UK candidate for the 22nd May, Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward by-election in the London Borough of Sutton. We spoke with Arlene about her decision to stand.
“I have been involved in the local community as a provider of not-for-profit social care and support to our most vulnerable members of society for over 27 years”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I have been involved in the local community as a provider of not-for-profit social care and support to our most vulnerable members of society for over 27 years. In this role I assist children and young people with profound physical and sensory difficulties to access local services and activities. Also, for over 17 years I have been running day services, offering respite to families with activities including horticulture, cooking, baking, pottery and skills for living.
I am a Christian and my faith is my foundation as I seek to serve the local community to the best of my ability. It is a real privilege to be the local Reform candidate for the upcoming council election.
“We feel the council didn’t fully back us when we raised concerns over ULEZ, and we don’t feel the council is backing residents over concerns on crime and anti-social behaviour”
You’re the candidate for Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward. What are the main concerns in the area?
Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward is such an interesting and varied ward covering the Clockhouse area in Coulsdon, the countryside Little Woodcote and Carshalton Beeches.
I live in the ward, and I know many people feel ignored by Sutton Council, which is increasingly complacent after many years of LibDem councils. We feel the council didn’t fully back us when we raised concerns over ULEZ, and we don’t feel the council is backing residents over concerns on crime and anti-social behaviour.
I will speak up for residents’ day to day concerns and be your voice for Reform on the Council.
“Businesses are both crucial to our local economy and the employment of our local work force. It is essential that they get the support and help they need to thrive and bolster our community”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Sutton and if elected what do you hope to champion?
There are 3 main areas I will focus on.
Community Support Networks
I want to establish communication links with residents to tackle issues that affect us all, from housing to potholes.
Protection and support for our local businesses and public houses
Businesses are both crucial to our local economy and the employment of our local work force. It is essential that they get the support and help they need to thrive and bolster our community. The effect of ULEZ expansion and ongoing uncoordinated roadworks, is having a dire effect on footfall.
Tackling crime with the Safer Neighbourhood teams
As a priority, I will work closely with residents and the police to ensure our safety as the incidents of all kinds of criminal activities and anti-social behaviour are increasing.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
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.
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?
“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”
Maxine Fothergill is the Reform UK candidate for Sevenoaks Rural North East in May’s Kent County Council elections. We spoke with Maxine about her decision to stand.
“I have a strong track record of standing up for my community, both as a business owner for over 23 years and through my extensive experience in local government”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’m Maxine Fothergill, the Reform UK candidate for Sevenoaks Rural North East in the Kent County Council elections. I am leading the local campaign for Reform UK because I believe our area needs stronger representation, real action, and a fresh approach to tackling the issues that matter most to residents.
I have a strong track record of standing up for my community, both as a business owner for over 23 years and through my extensive experience in local government. I decided to run because I see the growing challenges in our area—from the threat to our Green Belt to the worsening state of our roads—and I want to be a strong, independent voice for local residents. Unlike the main parties, I’m not tied to Westminster politics; my priority is fighting for what truly matters to the people of Sevenoaks Rural North East.
I have a long history in local government, having lived in Bexley for 30 years and serving as a councillor in Bexley for eight years. After moving to Sevenoaks Rural North East, I became frustrated with the main political parties and their failure to put local communities first. This led me to stand as an Independent councillor, running on my own mandate—and in doing so, I made history. I successfully won a seat in Fawkham and West Kingsdown, taking it from the Conservatives for the first time ever. From 2019 to 2023, I served as Deputy Leader of the Independent Group on Sevenoaks District Council, working hard to challenge poor decision-making and push for real change. Unfortunately, I lost my seat in the last election due to a split vote, largely caused by paper candidates from the Conservatives and the Green Party.
Beyond local politics, I have long been a supporter of Nigel Farage and his efforts to challenge the establishment. I was actively involved in campaigning for the Brexit Party, particularly during the MEP elections and London Mayoral elections. I was also honoured to be selected as the Parliamentary candidate for Old Bexley and Sidcup, where, despite having just a four-week campaign, we achieved an incredible result—winning 10,384 votes and 21.8% of the vote share, significantly improving on the previous 6% result in the 2021 by-election.
My political journey has always been about putting local people first, standing up for what’s right, and ensuring that the voices of residents are not ignored. That is exactly what I will do if elected as your Kent County Councillor for Sevenoaks Rural North East, standing proudly as your Reform UK candidate.
“The condition of our roads is one of the biggest frustrations for residents. Potholes and poor maintenance are causing serious damage to vehicles, and many drivers have had to replace tyres or pay for costly repairs”
You’re the candidate for Sevenoaks Rural North East. What are the main concerns in the area?
As the Reform UK candidate for Sevenoaks Rural North East, I am campaigning on the real local issues that residents have told me matter most to them. These include:
• Protecting Our Green Belt – Our beautiful countryside is under threat from large-scale solar farm applications and inappropriate housing developments. At least five solar farms are currently proposed, which would destroy productive farmland and damage the rural character of our area. I will fight to challenge these developments and ensure local residents’ views are properly considered in planning decisions.
• Fixing Our Roads – The condition of our roads is one of the biggest frustrations for residents. Potholes and poor maintenance are causing serious damage to vehicles, and many drivers have had to replace tyres or pay for costly repairs. I will push for proper investment in long-term road maintenance rather than temporary patch-up jobs that don’t last.
• Tackling Fly-Tipping – Illegal dumping is a growing problem in our rural areas, damaging our environment and putting unfair costs on landowners and farmers who are left to clear up the mess. I will push for stronger enforcement, tougher penalties for offenders, and better waste disposal solutions to prevent fly-tipping and hold those responsible to account.
Beyond these key issues, I know that many families in our area are struggling. West Kingsdown has one of the largest food banks in the area, showing just how many people need extra support. Meanwhile, elderly residents who have lost their winter fuel allowance are finding it harder to afford heating, and many don’t have the technology or assistance to apply for financial help. I will work with local partners to secure more support for our community and ensure the most vulnerable are not left behind.
If elected, I will be a determined voice for Sevenoaks Rural North East, ensuring that local concerns are heard and acted upon.
“I won’t make promises I can’t keep, but I will work tirelessly to ensure that Sevenoaks Rural North East gets the attention and investment it deserves”
What do you see as the major issues more widely across Kent, and if elected, what do you hope to champion?
Across Kent, we are facing many of the same challenges—overdevelopment, failing infrastructure, and underfunded local services—but these issues hit Sevenoaks Rural North East particularly hard. As the Reform UK candidate, I will work to ensure our area gets the support and investment it desperately needs.
• Overdevelopment and Planning Concerns – Across Kent, overdevelopment is putting pressure on local infrastructure, roads, and services. In our area, this is particularly evident in the growing number of solar farm applications, which threaten our best agricultural land. I will fight to ensure that rural communities are protected and that sustainable planning decisions are made with residents’ concerns in mind.
• Investment in Local Infrastructure – Kent’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up with demand, and Sevenoaks Rural North East is often overlooked when funding decisions are made. I will push for better road repairs, improved transport links, and stronger investment in local services to ensure our area is not left behind.
• Better Waste and Environmental Management – Fly-tipping is a county-wide issue, but it is particularly damaging in rural areas like ours. I will push for tougher action against offenders, as well as better local waste disposal facilities so that people are less likely to resort to illegal dumping.
• Support for Vulnerable Residents – Many elderly residents and struggling families in Kent are not getting the help they need. I will work to secure more local funding for community support services, ensuring that those most in need—including those without internet access—are not left behind.
I won’t make promises I can’t keep, but I will work tirelessly to ensure that Sevenoaks Rural North East gets the attention and investment it deserves, standing proudly as your Reform UK candidate.
“I decided to run because I see the growing challenges in our area—from the threat to our Green Belt to the worsening state of our roads—and I want to be a strong, independent voice for local residents”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
I encourage everyone to follow my campaign for updates and ways to get involved:
Following threats of protest at the venue in Purley for our meeting on the 19th March, we have sadly had to cancel the event.
Local elections in London are due in May 2026. Reform UK are making inroads across the capital with some polls showing them leading in Bromley & Biggin Hill, and Croydon East constituencies, among others.
Join us on Wednesday 19th March for our drinks and conversation with Alan and Scott. We will be discussing where they are with their planning for the local elections and where Reform UK is more generally.
For drinks, a conversation and Q&A with Alan and Scott about the Reform UK local plans, come along Wednesday 19th March at 7pm
This is part of our #ThirdWednesday drinks and events, we hold these in association with Dick Delingpole’s #ThirdWednesday Libertarian drinks club, and POLITICS in PUBS a group of people from across the political spectrum who value the freedom to question and to speak openly.
Mahendra Negi is the Reform UK candidate for the Alperton ward by-election on Tuesday 18 February in the London Borough of Brent. We spoke with Mahendra about his decision to stand.
“after four decades of experience working with Banks and IT services, I took voluntary retirement in 2022. I have since devoted myself to voluntary work across the community”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
My name is Mahendra Negi, and I am standing in the Alperton ward by-election for the London Borough of Brent. I live in Wembley, Brent and after four decades of experience working with Banks and IT services, I took voluntary retirement in 2022. I have since devoted myself to voluntary work across the community, volunteering within education, social services and the Metropolitan Police.
I have been on two educational panels and a Governor at three schools in Brent. Recently, I have also been elected to chair a Ward Panel for the Safer Neighbourhood Teams initiative. I am part of the Brent India Association and Brent Indian Community, and an active participant in various cultural activities, through Sanatan Charities, temples and SwamiNarayan sanstha.
As a volunteer, I have also had opportunities to participate in school visits to mosques and churches. These initiatives and my participation in the Brent Multi Faith Forum, enable me to contribute towards promoting inter-faith dialogue and harmony within our various communities.
What are the main concerns in the area? “The availability of fair and affordable homes for local families in Alperton and the abysmal tenant satisfaction rates of council tenants”
You’re the candidate for Alperton. What are the main concerns in the area?
The state and safety of our streets. The availability of fair and affordable homes for local families in Alperton and the abysmal tenant satisfaction rates of council tenants. The need for infrastructure to match the community’s needs with ongoing developments.
“The cost of living being compounded by council tax increases and waste across the council”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Brent and if elected what do you hope to champion?
The cost of living being compounded by council tax increases and waste across the council. Much needed support for small local businesses and available parking.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
The Labour government is undertaking consultations to reorganise local government, part of which may mean the cancellation of local elections in Surrey. This has led to an extraordinary meeting of Surrey County Council to be held on 8th January 2025.
The Surrey Reform UK team have asked local supporters to write to their county councillors to reject the postponement of May 2025 elections, using text from the template provided below. With the meeting being held on the 8th January, time is of the essence. Whilst written for Reform members anyone based in Surrey could use the template. If you want to support democracy and local elections going ahead, please write out before the January 8th meeting.
RE: Extraordinary meeting of Surrey County Council to be held 8th January 2025
As a constituent and voter in your division, I would like to stress my concerns around the details and expectations of the above meeting. I shall not comment on the Governments Devolution and Local Government Reform proposals which the Council is asked to endorse.
My concerns are;
Deciding to postpone elections without consultation with ones constituents is flagrantly undemocratic.
The current crop of councilors have served their fixed term of office and will hold no democratic mandate from May 2025 onwards.
The proposed timeline for the completion of devolution by May 2026, in order to hold elections, is purely aspirational. There are no legally binding assurances with the actions of Westminster and their legislative calendars will now control the timelines of local democracy.
With no mandate for these changes in the current Labour Governments manifesto and current councilors having reached the end of the fixed term. The public has the right to elect a new crop of councilors who may better represent the views and wishes of their constituents.
In conclusion, I ask you to consider my concerns and vote to ensure County Council elections are held in May 2025.
My name is Vinayak Malhotra, and I had the honour of being the parliamentary candidate for the Croydon West constituency in the recent General Election, representing Reform UK. As I embarked on this journey, I was greeted with a wide array of public reactions and experiences that highlighted the spirit of our community. Alongside meaningful interactions with residents, I encountered some unexpectedly humorous moments that made my campaign truly memorable.
“The warmth and openness of the people, young and old (and even a few friendly animals), made the experience truly special”
I was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the public during my canvassing efforts in Croydon West. The warmth and openness of the people, young and old (and even a few friendly animals), made the experience truly special. One of the more charming surprises was encountering the friendly cats of Croydon, who seemed just as curious about Reform UK as the residents!
A few interactions really stood out to me. There was a wonderful couple who not only supported me by signing my nomination form but went a step further and generously offered their office space for my use throughout the campaign. Their kindness was a reminder of the incredible community spirit that Croydon thrives on.
I also met a lovely elderly lady who reminded me of my late maternal grandmother. She was so sweet and welcoming, insisting on a chat over tea, making me feel right at home. Another older couple, captivated by my energy and enthusiasm, not only offered words of encouragement but also gave me some sweets, which lifted my spirits during a long day of canvassing.
“He told me he’d definitely vote for me, simply because he admired my dedication to going door to door all on my own”
One unexpected companion was a fluffy blonde cat who decided to keep me company while I went door to door. This little furball stuck by my side for hours, as if it were my personal campaign mascot! Even the local postmen were in good spirits, often handing me rubber bands to keep my leaflets organised.
Another moment that really touched me was when I met a friendly young man, around my age, who spotted me canvassing in the rain. He told me he’d definitely vote for me, simply because he admired my dedication to going door to door all on my own. His words meant a lot and reminded me that perseverance is always noticed.
I also began to be recognised by people throughout the constituency—surprisingly, most of them were women. Some had seen my photos in online interviews, while others remembered me from my campaign efforts across Croydon West. It was both humbling and heart-warming to know that my presence and message were reaching people in the community.
“some assumed I might be some sort of ghost candidate. The situation became even funnier when the journalist covering the election met me in person at the count. We had a good laugh when they finally realised, I did, in fact, exist!”
One of the more humorous moments during my campaign was when people online—and even a journalist—started questioning whether I was a real person! Since I’m not on social media and there wasn’t much information about me available online, some assumed I might be some sort of ghost candidate. The situation became even funnier when the journalist covering the election met me in person at the count. We had a good laugh when they finally realised, I did, in fact, exist!
One of the most pressing changes I want to see in Croydon West is an increase in affordable housing. It’s crucial that everyone in our community has access to safe and affordable places to live.
Additionally, addressing the rise in knife crime, drugs, anti-social behaviour, and crime in general is essential for creating a safer environment for all residents.
“Having dedicated local branches in various boroughs will significantly strengthen our presence and provide a solid foundation for future campaigns”
I also believe that fostering greater belief in and support for Reform UK will be pivotal. With increased community backing, we can work towards electing more Reform UK councillors and, ultimately, our own MP in the next general election.
This grassroots support is vital for driving the positive changes we all wish to see in our town.
Reform UK is rapidly expanding, with new branches being set up across the country, including here in London and Croydon. Having dedicated local branches in various boroughs will significantly strengthen our presence and provide a solid foundation for future campaigns. This structure will not only help us in the upcoming local councillor elections but also position us for greater success in future general elections. By establishing a stronger connection with local communities, we’ll be better equipped to address the issues that matter most to them and represent their voices on both a local and national level.
On a personal note, I’ve already made an application to stand in the upcoming councillor elections, though it’s still very early to know more about that. Additionally, I have been made the treasurer of my local branch.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Croydon Constitutionalists for this opportunity to share my experiences. I truly enjoyed doing these interviews and engaging with the community through this platform. Your support and encouragement mean a lot to me as we work together to drive positive change in Croydon West!
Reform UK are in the process of setting up local branches across the country. Locally Scott Holman the Reform UK general election candidate in Croydon East, has become the chair the new Croydon & Sutton Branch.
Join us on Wednesday 16th October for our drinks and conversation and with Scott. We will discuss his new role, Reform’s plans locally and some of their ideas for Croydon and Sutton.
For drinks, a conversation and Q&A with Scott about the Reform UK local plans, come along Wednesday 16th October at 7pm
This is part of our #ThirdWednesday drinks and events, we hold these in association with Dick Delingpole’s #ThirdWednesday Libertarian drinks club, and POLITICS in PUBS a group of people from across the political spectrum who value the freedom to question and to speak openly.
