Category: Reform / Brexit Party

Interview with Daniel Tebbutt Deputy Chair of Reform UK Croydon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is this not insane?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The concerns that keep being raised include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harry Phillips, Reform UK Candidate for the Staines ward by-election.

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.

“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.

“People want safer streets, a regenerated High Street and Elmsleigh Centre, and more investment in local infrastructure”

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.

“If elected, I’ll push for regeneration, progress on the River Thames Scheme, and policies that improve quality of life”

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.

Max Stenner Chair of Christian Democracy UK

“Christian Democracy has long been a strong presence on the continent, but it never truly gained ground in the UK… Our mission is to change that by applying traditional Christian principles within a modern democratic framework”

We first spoke with you when you were the SDP Coordinator in Dorset in January last year.  Can you tell us a bit about your political journey since then?

When you last interviewed me, I was serving as Dorset County Coordinator for the Social Democratic Party. During the general election, I managed six campaigns—two of which delivered some of the party’s best results nationally. However, after the election I began to doubt both the SDP’s direction and its prospects for real electoral success. This led me to leave the party and rejoin Reform UK in October of last year.

Since then, I have managed a local election campaign for Reform in Wiltshire, where our candidate secured second place with over a quarter of the vote, beating the Liberal Democrats. At present, most of my political work is focused on my think tank, Christian Democracy UK, which I founded last month. Alongside that, I remain active as a member of my local branch of the New Culture Forum.

“True freedom and flourishing are found in strong families, vibrant local communities, and a society rooted in mutual responsibility”

You’re the Chair of Christian Democracy UK.  Can you tell us about the organisation and what its aims are?

The group exists to promote the values of traditional Christianity across all areas of policy, rooted in the philosophy of Christian Democracy. Emerging in 19th-century Europe, Christian Democracy has long been a strong presence on the continent, but it never truly gained ground in the UK, where politics has been largely secular in outlook. Our mission is to change that by applying traditional Christian principles within a modern democratic framework.

Our core tenets include:

  • Sanctity of Life: We believe every human being is created in the image of God, giving each person inherent dignity and value. From this conviction flows our consistent life ethic—opposing abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment alike.
  • Communitarianism: We affirm that people are deeply connected and must work together for the common good—not out of vague compassion, but as members of one human family. True freedom and flourishing are found in strong families, vibrant local communities, and a society rooted in mutual responsibility, with special care for the most vulnerable and marginalised.
  • Secure Borders: Loving our neighbour also means protecting our communities, families, and the common good. Mass immigration places enormous strain on housing, services, and social cohesion. While compassion remains essential, it must be balanced with justice, order, and responsibility towards our own citizens and the health of our nation.
  • Social Market Economy: Guided by the principle of distributism, we believe the world’s productive assets should be widely owned rather than concentrated in the hands of the few. We reject both state socialism and unrestrained free-market capitalism, embracing a ‘third way’ that upholds private property, ensures fair taxation (with the wealthiest contributing more), and guarantees social protections for those unable to participate in the labour market.
  • Stewardship: Humanity has been entrusted with the care of God’s creation. We reject selfish exploitation of the natural world, instead promoting a balanced approach that recognises human beings as stewards, not owners. Environmental policy should be wise and proportionate—protecting creation without imposing extreme measures, such as rigid Net Zero targets, that risk severe economic and social disruption.

Unlike many Christian groups that focus solely on moral and social issues, we apply Christian principles comprehensively—across economics, housing, energy, foreign policy, and more. On some issues we may lean towards centre-left solutions, while maintaining a firm social conservatism on others.

Our vision is to represent the sensible centre—a movement uniting Christians across the political spectrum, challenging the excessive individualism and materialism of today, and rejecting the extremes of both left and right.

How do you see Christian Democracy UK fitting in with the political parties we have today?

We are a cross-party pressure group – with active members in seven political parties, including the three largest parties by membership (Reform UK, Labour and the Conservatives). Our role is not to replace existing parties but to introduce a distinctly Christian democratic perspective into their debates and policies. 

We seek to shape the national conversation by reminding politicians of the moral and spiritual dimensions of political life, whether on economics, family, community, or national culture. By working across party lines, we can advocate for the communitarian principles of Christian social teaching in a way that transcends partisan divides. Our mission is to ensure that Christian values are not side lined but actively shape Britain’s political future – which is particularly important in a nation where religion has experienced a sharp decline in recent years.

What areas do you think a Christian perspective can inform policy across a range of parties?

A Christian perspective can inform policy across every area of public life, not just the moral sphere. Questions of economics, welfare, housing, education, foreign affairs, and even environmental stewardship are ultimately questions of human dignity, the common good, and our responsibilities before God. 

While groups on both the left and right often reduce politics to snappy slogans and populism, we insist that politics is first about people—the flourishing of families, communities, and society rooted in truth. From distributist economics to strengthening the traditional family unit, from just foreign policy to care for creation, we believe Christian principles offer a unifying and humanising vision that can enrich and correct the political debates across the spectrum.

“We affirm the free practice of religion as a cornerstone of democracy and human dignity. However, we also reject the notion that this requires a faithless public square”

What stance does Christian Democracy UK take on working with other religious communities?

First and foremost, we are a Christian organisation, rooted in the teaching and tradition of the Church. Our mission is to apply Christian Democratic principles to public life, and so naturally our membership is overwhelmingly made up of practicing Christians. That said, we welcome support and contributions from those of other faiths—or even of no faith—who share our vision for the common good.

We affirm the free practice of religion as a cornerstone of democracy and human dignity. However, we also reject the notion that this requires a faithless public square. We believe Christianity, as Britain’s historic faith, has a rightful role in shaping public life and guiding policy, alongside a recognition of religious freedom for all.

“This resurgence is encouraging, because it shows that the next generation is not turning its back on faith altogether, but is instead rediscovering it as an anchor in turbulent times”

What do you think is the outlook for Christianity in the UK today, and what are any positive trends?

Of course, there are challenges when looking at the outlook for Christianity today. The 2021 census recorded the lowest proportion of people identifying as Christian in our history, while the numbers of the irreligious and other faiths continue to rise. Attendance in the Church of England has fallen to record lows, with many parishes struggling to keep their doors open.

Yet, alongside these concerns, there are real signs of hope. In the past few years we’ve seen a marked rise in youth attendance at church. Among young men, the figure has risen from just 8% in 2018 to 20% in 2025, with young women also increasing to 12% over the same period. This resurgence is encouraging, because it shows that the next generation is not turning its back on faith altogether, but is instead rediscovering it as an anchor in turbulent times.

Many young men in particular are looking for a rooted alternative to the instability and hostility of secular liberal culture, which often treats them with suspicion for who they are. For them, Christianity offers a way back to tradition, responsibility, and community – and a faith that can give real meaning to their lives.

How can people get in touch if they want to know more?

If you’d like to get involved, there are several ways to do so. You can reach me directly at max.stenner@icloud.com to express interest in joining our working group, or follow us on Twitter/X at @christdemsuk to stay up to date with our latest announcements and publications. 

Our official launch will take place at the New Culture Forum’s Christianity and Politics Conference on 30 September 2025, held at Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford Forum, at 7pm. The event will feature a keynote address from myself, alongside Adam Smith-Connor (noted for his arrest for silent prayer) and Tyler White, Leader of the National Distributist Party. Attendance is free and open to all—details can be found on the poster below. If you’d like to reserve a place, simply email me.

Press Release from Nik Stewert, Reform UK Croydon

Reform UK’s Croydon Branch have todays issued a Press Release as below:

ReForm UK have launched their Federation in Croydon to cover the constituencies of Croydon South, Croydon East, Croydon West and parts of Streatham & Croydon North.

Nik Stewert, former chairman of the Conservative Federation has been appointed as Chairman of the Federation. Nik said, “I am delighted to be asked to head up the Federation in Croydon and support the work of our hard working MP’s in Parliament and to give the people of Croydon a clear choice at the next local, mayor and national elections.”

“For too long now both Labour and the Conservatives have ruined local services and bankrupted the Council with ridiculous schemes like Brick by Brick leaving residents to pay for the disastrous mistakes they have presided over – both blaming each other. What is clear is that Croydon needs a new start – local Councillors who hold the employees of the borough Council to account and stop wasteful spending. It is clear – Croydon needs ReForm.”

ReForm UK is inviting residents who want to see change to join them in campaigning for a definitive change – to bring spending into line, redevelop our Town Centre and make Croydon a place to be proud of.

Arlene Dearlove, Reform UK candidate for the 22nd May, Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward by-election

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?

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.