We recently held a public meeting in Purley and we were joined by Scott Holman, the Chairman of the newly formed Croydon & Sutton branch of Reform UK.
For more info you can email Scott at [email protected].
Category: Reform / Brexit Party
Tales from the campaign trail: Vinayak Malhotra, Reform UK candidate for Croydon West
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!
You can read more from Vinayak at https://croydonconstitutionalists.uk/vinayak-malhotra-reform/ and listen to him on the podcast of our live event at https://croydonconstitutionalists.uk/podcast-episode-93/.
Conversation with Scott Holman, Branch Chair of Croydon & Sutton Reform UK
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.
Join us Upstairs, Whispers, 5 High St, Purley CR8 2AF on Wednesday 16th October, from 7pm.
Facebook: https://fb.me/e/41vBy3eI2
Marco Manassero, Reform UK candidate for South Acton ward in Ealing
Marco Manassero is the Reform UK candidate for South Acton ward in Ealing, in the council by-election to be held on 10th October. We spoke with Marco about his decision to stand.
“In Ealing, Labour’s long-term control has led to complacency, and the issues facing our community have not been adequately addressed”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
My name is Marco Manassero, an Italian-born, British-naturalised insurance professional and entrepreneur. After graduating from a leading European business school, I relocated to the UK in 2012 and later founded my own company. I am married with two daughters.
I’ve always had a keen interest in politics, but my career and family have taken up most of my time and energy. However, the recent moral and economic decline of our country has pushed me to take action. In Ealing, Labour’s long-term control has led to complacency, and the issues facing our community have not been adequately addressed. I am standing as the Reform UK candidate because I believe we need fresh leadership and accountability. A vote for the same old parties is a vote for more of the same failures. Only Reform UK will stand up for the people of Ealing and deliver real change.
“Overdevelopment is another serious concern. While new homes are necessary, development must be balanced with adequate infrastructure”
You’re the candidate for South Acton. What are the main concerns in the area?
In my view, the most pressing issues in South Acton are crime and overdevelopment. Residents are particularly concerned about the rise in violence against women, drug use and anti-social behaviour, all of which are linked to a lack of police presence on our streets. Labour’s leadership has clearly failed to address these serious issues and far too often crimes go uninvestigated.
Overdevelopment is another serious concern. While new homes are necessary, development must be balanced with adequate infrastructure, including schools, parking, GP services and public transport.
“If elected, I would prioritise holding the Labour-run Ealing Council to account, working closely with the local police to address increasing crime levels”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Ealing and if elected what do you hope to champion?
Ealing faces a variety of challenges, many of which are also present in South Acton: rising crime, limited access to health and social care services, overdevelopment, anti-motorist measures and a lack of local job opportunities. If elected, I would prioritise holding the Labour-run Ealing Council to account, working closely with the local police to address increasing crime levels and promoting neighbourhood watch initiatives. I would also ensure that property development is managed responsibly and aligned with necessary improvements in infrastructure.
Additionally, I would hold regular community meetings to listen to concerns and ensure transparency. By engaging with the community, we can work together to make South Acton a safer and more vibrant place to live.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
We welcome support from residents of South Acton and neighbouring areas. There are many ways to get involved, from leafleting to speaking with voters or sharing our message on social media. If you’d like to help, please contact us on Twitter/X @MgManassero or via email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you and work together to make a difference.
Fabio Pukaj, Reform UK candidate for Hanger Hill ward in Ealing
Fabio Pukaj is the Reform UK candidate for Hanger Hill ward in Ealing, in the council by-election to be held on 10th October. We spoke with Fabio about his decision to stand.
“I’m driven by the hope of bringing that same spirit of possibility to Hanger Lane, with a vision of creating a community where everyone can reach their full potential”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
When I was 16, I took my first leap into running my own online business. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about learning how to truly connect with people and create meaningful opportunities. Alongside this, my summer job as a waiter taught me the grit and resilience needed to push through tough times.
These experiences have deeply shaped my understanding of how vital opportunities are and sparked a fire in me to help others find their own path to success. Now, at 21, I’m driven by the hope of bringing that same spirit of possibility to Hanger Lane, with a vision of creating a community where everyone can reach their full potential and live their best lives.
“Many residents are worried about crime, struggling with poverty, and feeling frustrated by too many rules that make life difficult”
You’re the candidate for Hanger Hill ward what are the main concerns in the area?
From a young age, I’ve been connected to Hanger Lane, not just geographically but through the relationships I’ve built and the time I’ve spent in the area. My experiences living close by have given me an understanding of what the community needs to thrive. Over the years, I’ve seen first hand how local issues like rising crime, limited opportunities, and unnecessary regulations have impacted the daily lives of residents.
These experiences have inspired me to run as a candidate with Reform UK, with a mission to create meaningful opportunities and build a safer, more prosperous Hanger Lane. I believe that together, we can unlock the full potential of our community, ensuring that it’s a place where everyone can feel secure, grow, and succeed.
Many residents are worried about crime, struggling with poverty, and feeling frustrated by too many rules that make life difficult. I’m running for you to help solve these problems on day one. I want to make Hanger Lane a place where people can walk home at night without looking over your shoulder, where you don’t have to worry about the threat of being harmed. A community where people feel secure, where children can play outside without fear, and where you’re not held back by unnecessary obstacles.
My goal is to build a Hanger Lane that supports you—where there are more opportunities, and where families can live peacefully and thrive without constant worry or fear.
“Ealing faces broader challenges, such as outdated infrastructure and limited access to essential resources. These issues affect all of us, and I am fully committed to tackling them head-on”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Ealing and if elected what do you hope to champion?
The residents’ biggest concerns are mine too: rising crime, lack of support, and too many restrictions.
If I’m elected, I’ll work hard to reduce crime in our community, provide better support for those who need it, and get rid of rules that make life harder for residents and their families on day one. My focus is on listening to residents needs and delivering solutions that make a real difference in their everyday life.
Furthermore, Ealing faces broader challenges, such as outdated infrastructure and limited access to essential resources. These issues affect all of us, and I am fully committed to tackling them head-on. My vision is to breathe new life into our community, ensuring that everyone has the support and opportunities they deserve. Together, we can build the strongest, most united Ealing the world has ever seen, where every resident has the chance to succeed.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
If you’d like to share your ideas or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. I’m here for you and ready to act on what matters most to you.
Podcast Episode 93 – General Election 2024: How was it for you?
We recently held a public meeting in Purley and were joined by 2 local candidates from the recent General Election; Vinayak Malhotra, who stood for Reform UK in Croydon West and Damon Young, who stood for the SDP in Epsom & Ewell. We talked about their experiences of the campaign and their future plans.
You can find out more on Vinayak at https://croydonconstitutionalists.uk/vinayak-malhotra-reform/ and more on Damon at https://croydonconstitutionalists.uk/damon-young-sdp/.
GE2024 – How was it for you?
Labour came to power with their largest majority since 1997, we have the lowest number of Conservative MPs ever, and the SNP has been pushed back in Scotland. The SDP ran their highest number of candidates since the 80s, and we have increased independent, Green, and Reform MPs. Now we ask the candidates, General Election 2024 – How was it for you?
Join us on Wednesday 21st August for our drinks and conversation with a panel of local candidates. We will be asking about the campaign, their experiences and thoughts on what happens next.
Confirmed Panel:
For drinks, conversation, panel discussion and Q&A asking General Election 2024 – How was it for you? Come along Wednesday 21st August, Whispers Purley 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.
Join us Upstairs, Whispers, 5 High St, Purley CR8 2AF on Wednesday 21st August, from 7pm.
Peter Hunter, Reform UK candidate for Putney
Peter Hunter is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Putney. We spoke with Peter about his decision to stand.
“Reform and I can help the government deliver best local policies for people of Putney”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I am an ex-army officer and ex-British diplomat at the United Nations in New York. I live in South London and I’m passionate about politics having retired recently. I have also run a small business in Switzerland so know about the EU and Europe. I also speak a little French, German and Russian.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
Nigel says that Labour are likely to win a majority; the conservatives have lost their way and need change. Reform is the best forum for that change and after the election, may help the Conservatives reform themselves.
Reform and I can help the government deliver best local policies for people of Putney.
You’re the Spokesman for Putney what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I resonate with local issues and concerns, like crime, traffic, and share the Wimbledon LTA plan concerns.
I have the leaderships skills and influence to get things done and help local people solve problems.
“Champion the NHS, but it needs slimmer better management so these resources can be put into front lines services”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Champion the NHS, but it needs slimmer better management so these resources can be put into front lines services.
Cut waiting times, support the police, fight crime, and stop shoplifting.
Revise low traffic networks – get traffic moving – whilst we still safeguard pedestrians and children.
Putney housing for Putney residents – build new affordable and renovate old housing.
Support the government over legal and stop illegal immigration.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Vote for me – PETER FOR PUTNEY – PETER LAFAYETTE HUNTER for Putney RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES.
You can also contact me at [email protected].
Nick Goulding, Reform UK candidate for Chester North and Neston
Nick Goulding is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Chester North and Neston. We spoke with Nick about his decision to stand.
“I got involved in politics again was my disgust at the attempt to defy the clearly expressed will of the people and obstruct Brexit”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m a 60 three-year-old business owner, former army officer and a small business campaigner. I am married with four children, and I have lived in Cheshire for over thirty years.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I previously stood for the Brexit party in the last general election and then for Reform UK for the post of Police and Crime commissioner for Cheshire. The reason I got involved in politics again was my disgust at the attempt to defy the clearly expressed will of the people and obstruct Brexit by politicians’, civil servants and judges.
“I find as I go round the constituency the overriding issue is the betrayal of their voters by all the main existing parties and the desire for a new way forward”
You’re the Spokesman for Chester North and Neston what’s made you decide to represent this area?
Although I live outside the constituency, in mid Cheshire, I wanted to stand for Chester because it is the county town and most significant location which can send the clearest message to the country.
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Although there are all local issues that need to be addressed. I find as I go round the constituency the overriding issue is the betrayal of their voters by all the main existing parties and the desire for a new way forward, which Reform UK can provide.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Anyone who wishes to help the campaign can reach me:
by email at [email protected]
on https://x.com/nickgoulding4
and on Facebook.com/nickgoulding4brexit.
Emma Guy, Reform UK candidate for Mid Cheshire
Emma Guy is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Mid Cheshire. We spoke with Emma about her decision to stand.
“The tipping point was during lockdown, when the decisions made on our behalf by the government seemed more and more detached from reality”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Emma Guy and I have lived and worked in Northwich, Cheshire for almost 35 years, during which time I have served on the local Lostock Gralam Parish Council, started, and grew my own wellbeing clinic, and represented local interests since 2001 by campaigning with CHAIN (Cheshire Anti Incinerator Network) against the building of the Incinerator on Griffiths Lane on the edge of our beautiful town.
I am a Prevent Breast Cancer ambassador and part of a local group helping to make Northwich Dementia Friendly.
Currently, I am the Chief Commercial Officer for a Runcorn based business, Aqueous Digital, and in November 2022 I won Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year at the Crème de la Crème Cheshire Business Awards, for my ongoing work with the business.
On top of these roles, I am also Chair of the board of Trustees at Halton Haven Hospice.
In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction which triggered early onset menopause, an episode I covered in my bestselling 2021 book, Wisdoms of the Menopausal Godmother.
I have been happily married to my husband Jonathan for 18 years and we have three children.
“a new seat comprising Northwich, where I live, and the two nearby local towns of Middlewich and Winsford. Collectively I refer to them as the ‘salt towns’”
What made me stand for Reform Uk?
The tipping point was during lockdown, when the decisions made on our behalf by the government seemed more and more detached from reality.
The fear campaigns, the rule of six, mask mandates and social distancing based on no scientific evidence made me determined to do something. As Simon Wiesenthal once said, “For evil to flourish, it only requires good men to do nothing”. I couldn’t, in all good conscience, do nothing.
On New Year’s Day 2021 I contacted the party to ask it they had a candidate in this area, and would they consider me.
I was duly selected as the Spokesperson in early 2021 after undergoing the vetting process and became Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the party in November 2023. I was formally announced as the official Parliamentary Candidate when my nomination papers were accepted in early June this year.
You’re the Spokesperson for Mid Cheshire what’s made you decide to represent this area?
Mid Cheshire is a new seat comprising Northwich, where I live, and the two nearby local towns of Middlewich and Winsford. Collectively I refer to them as the ‘salt towns’ as they all have a long history of salt production, dating back to Roman times.
Fun fact: most people don’t realise that when the gritters go out during icy spells to grit the roads all over the U.K., the chances are that what is being spread comes from our local salt mines in Winsford.
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
There are several issues that affect my local constituency, but I expect that my priorities may resonate with a lot of people in a lot of other areas.
The first is that I want to bring back a sense of Civic Pride to the area. Too many local residents tell me that they are disappointed with what they see locally, and no one seems to have a sense of responsibility that was high on the agenda in Victorian times. If you can’t be proud of where you live then it’s no surprise if you don’t want to engage positively with your local town.
The second is that we desperately need an integrated transport policy in our area. Luckily, we don’t suffer (yet) from ULEZ, LTN’s or mandatory 20mph zones, but what public transport is available is fragmented, infrequent and ill-suited for local needs and motorists are still seen as a burden rather than the driver of investment in our towns.
Finally, rather than a disparate and disjointed allocation of funds to our towns, which straddle two County Authorities, we should have funds allocated based on local need, not what is decided for us by someone in an office 40 miles away. Would you believe that the one consistent point made by residents I talk to in each of the towns is that they bemoan the lack of public toilets in the town centre? It’s incredible that this should have happened in the twenty first century.
“For evil to flourish, it only requires good men to do nothing”. I couldn’t, in all good conscience, do nothing”
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
If anyone is able to help then they can visit my website at https://www.emmaguyreform.co.uk/ and from there they can follow my social media profiles or email me directly.