Category: Reform / Brexit Party

Irene Yoong-Henery is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Birmingham Ladywood. We spoke with Irene about her decision to stand.

“The NHS appears to have a culture of Death at the moment, whether it is due to a lack of resources or “woke” ideology. All lives are precious to God”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I will be standing as a Reform UK parliamentary candidate for Birmingham Ladywood in the General Election on 4/July/2024. I was born in Malaysia (previously a British colony for 133 years). I studied at a Catholic convent school founded by British nuns for 11 years. Later I also studied in Singapore, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom where I qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant.

I started my professional career at J. Sainsbury’s plc, preparing and monitoring multi-million pound budgets for hundreds of its supermarkets from Scotland, to Northern Ireland, to Coventry, for 5 years. I then embarked on a legal career as CEO of Ian Henery Solicitors Ltd for 23 years. I have worked with local and international businesses, promoting British businesses overseas in China and Hong Kong. I was part of the England China Business Forum in Birmingham.

However I have now retired from professional life to work for the good of our country.

I will be very pleased to meet Ladywood constituents and find out what their concerns are affecting them and their families.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I was approached to become a Reform candidate through my work as Chairperson of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) Walsall branch. I am a staunch Catholic and am convinced that I can save hundreds of thousands of lives, the lives of mothers and their babies, if better laws are passed in parliament. DIY abortions by poison- pills-in-the-post may save the NHS money but the outcomes are terrible for both mother and baby. The NHS appears to have a culture of Death at the moment, whether it is due to a lack of resources or “woke” ideology. All lives are precious to God and as Christians, we must do our outmost to preserve lives. Reform UK has a large number of Christians as members and we are all working to improve the quality of life for British people. “We want our country back” is often heard amongst our members and we mean to turn back the clock to a more gentle and peaceful period where British people went to church, loved God, King/Queen and country, and did not shout hatred at each other and tear down statues nor stop traffic and hold the British public to ransom with impossible demands.

“I speak Mandarin to Chinese Mainland constituents, Cantonese to Hong Kong constituents, Malay to Malaysian & Indonesian constituents, and English to everyone”

You’re the Spokesman for Birmingham Ladywood what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I am representing Birmingham Ladywood which encompasses Chinatown where I had 2 branches of my law firm for many years. We were a full service law firm that won many awards and were well respected in the Chinese community. We also won the Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year award from Birmingham Law Society. I still count many business owners in Chinatown as friends, and they are supporting my campaign. I speak Mandarin to Chinese Mainland constituents, Cantonese to Hong Kong constituents, Malay to Malaysian & Indonesian constituents, and English to everyone else! As I spent my childhood in Malaysia which has a majority of Muslims, I can relate to Muslims. In some wards within Ladywood, there are up to 84% Muslim constituents.

“We have the ridiculous situation of a lack of housing in Birmingham, yet we have nearly 1000 apartments in Perry Barr, Birmingham from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, still standing empty”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

The big concerns that Birmingham Ladywood constituents have brought up for my attention during my campaigning which started last year, are crime, housing, immigration, the rising costs of living. Amongst Muslim and Christian parents, they are also concerned about LGBT teachings in the classrooms. Asian families want schools to concentrate on helping their children get straight A’s in the exams, and woke ideology to be banned. As a mother of 4, I can understand these parents’ concerns and would fight for all these issues. We have the ridiculous situation of a lack of housing in Birmingham, yet we have nearly 1000 apartments in Perry Barr, Birmingham from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, still standing empty. We need to bail out Birmingham City Council in order to complete the development, sell the apartments at market value, and pay off the Council’s debts so that Council Tax does not have to be raised by over 10% every year. I am a qualified accountant and business entrepreneur, so I believe I can sort out these problems quite easily.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign? 

Reform UK is still a relatively small and very new party, and we are always looking for volunteers to help out with campaigning and fund-raising. Anyone wishing to volunteer and donate can reach me, by email to [email protected], by text message to 07779 253682. I do have Facebook and X accounts but the best way to volunteer are by email and text.

Finally, I want to say a big THANK YOU for helping Reform UK get its message out. I hope that together, we can spread the word that there is a good alternative to voting Labour or the Conservatives – vote for change, vote for Reform UK.

Andy Egginton is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North East Derbyshire. We spoke with Andy about his decision to stand.

“Net Zero Immigration is the answer to the UK problems! I believe if the UK had Net zero Immigration over the next 5-year parliamentary term it would give the public services the opportunity to breathe and housing the opportunity to catch up. Our NHS needs a massive overhaul and especially social care and only Reform UK have the ability to carry out our promises.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Andy Egginton and I am 51 years old. I am a black belt in a few martial arts, train at the gym 5–6 times a week, play football and tennis and have covered a few roles in my career. Electrician, policeman, Inland Revenue, financial manager, property developer. I work on a contract basis for two premier league clubs in football and rugby as response, dealing with antisocial behaviour.

I also spend a lot of my time volunteering for people with disability/mental health issues as an advocate, guiding them through legal processes, procedures, housing, etc. This gives me a good insight into our failing country and failing system – which I firmly believe needs Reform.

I have three children, all boys. My eldest is 23 and is an IT infrastructure technician, my second is 19 and studying for a degree in Mathematics and statistics at Warwick University, and my 18-year-old will be joining him later this year studying the same degree.

“While dealing with the local MP on this issue he suggested if I wanted change then I  should stand in the local elections, as I would make a great councillor. So, I decided to take his advice and stood in the local elections for Reform UK”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I became an accidental politician while I was advocating on a case many years ago. In this particular case, which began as a neighbour dispute and evolved into accusations that resulted in wrongful arrest. I decided to start from the beginning with the council ASB team and requesting a community trigger (the community trigger went ahead without her knowledge or attendance even though she requested the trigger), I examined the police evidence and proved they had made a baseless and wrongful arrest (the IOPC is still investigating this).

During the course of this investigation the council took major offence to the fact that “I had opened up a can of worms and wrong practices” and they then tried everything to destroy my client. They even sent a letter to her stating “We do not recognise your human rights under article 8 and will continue to attend your property against your wishes without notice” and even eventually banned her against having an advocate (which goes against the Care Quality Act 2010). I continued to advocate and raised a complaint directly with the local government ombudsman. This was when I realised that quangos are just an illusion and the public do not have any rights.

I recommend that everyone Googles “parliamentary health and social care ombudsman” on Trustpilot, reads the stories and follows up by researching other quangos. Sadly it is a horrific and pointless experience for any member of the public to deal with a quango and will only lead to being told you need to go to a judicial review, This will cost £20–25,000 and if you lose, you will pay the same again in costs to the government department. If you win, they will pay your costs and reverse their decision (without incurring further penalties). Democracy appears to not exist in this country – is it just an illusion created by the government?

While dealing with the local MP on this issue he suggested if I wanted change then I  should stand in the local elections, as I would make a great councillor. So, I decided to take his advice and stood in the local elections for Reform UK. I cannot understand why my Conservative MP took offence, as it was his suggestion I stand?  I found out at the count he was suggesting the Conservatives (silly me). I have also been an agent for other Reform candidates.

The reason I stood for Reform is easy and simple…. Policies!

How could I possibly sell my children down the river and stand for either the Consocialists who have broken Britain or Labour who will bankrupt Britain?

You are the Spokesman for North East Derbyshire, what has made you decide to represent this area?

I originate from Derbyshire and have family in the area. If elected I will be living in the constituency.

“Policing in North East Derbyshire needs reforming and we need more bobbies on the beat. Visible policing prevents crime and residents should feel safe”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

What I see as major concerns for the constituency is housing being built without the appropriate infrastructure and poor quality planning decisions, such as housing being built in areas of Dronfield which have drainage issues.

We desperately need to review the bureaucratic planning system and especially the section 103 developer contributions for infrastructure, such as schools and GP surgeries. Once again, if Reform wins the general election then 5 years of Net Zero Immigration will give the housing sector a chance to catch up and young families a chance to buy a house.

Social care is already a major issue and Derbyshire County Council plan to close eight day centres for the elderly and up to 11 residential care homes. Problems with social care in the UK are adding to the strain on the NHS. For example: 13,000 beds are being blocked because no social care is available and yet Derbyshire County Council are in public consultation to close more social care facilities for the elderly!Once again, if Reform wins the general election then 5 years of Net Zero Immigration will give the NHS and social care sector a chance to catch up.

Policing in North East Derbyshire needs reforming and we need more bobbies on the beat. Visible policing prevents crime and residents should feel safe to venture out of their homes. Unfortunately, I am hearing the opposite from the residents I speak to while canvassing.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?  

For those eager to join our campaign and make a difference, there are several ways to get involved with Reform UK. You can connect with us on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on our events, initiatives, and ways to contribute. Additionally, you can email to learn more about volunteering opportunities and campaign events or share your ideas and concerns. Your support and involvement are invaluable in shaping a better future for North East Derbyshire.

Please get in touch with me at: [email protected]

Facebook: Reform UK North East Derbyshire PPC

Alan Adams is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Telford. We spoke with Alan about his decision to stand.

“I’m not a polished or practiced politician, nor am I motivated by dreams of a career in politics – I want to do this for Telford”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Alan Adams – the Reform UK PPC for Telford. I’m a Telford native, with deep roots in our community. I was born and bred in Oakengates, I went to local schools, served in the Royal Navy as a Submariner from the age of 17, and then worked as an Engineer in factories across the borough. My grandad fed the kilns at Blockleys Bricks, my mum worked for the company building the M54, and I remember Telford town centre when it wasn’t much more than a Carrefour.

As a local business coach, I’ve assisted start-ups and SMEs to do business better. I’ve volunteered for the Princes Trust as a Mentor and supported the local community – not for personal gain, but because it’s the right thing to do.

I’m not a polished or practiced politician, nor am I motivated by dreams of a career in politics – I want to do this for Telford. I want to give the people of Telford a strong, viable alternative to the Conservative and Labour parties. A hard-working, decent MP who will really focus on our community. A real choice. Because this town is my home, and home to my family, and so Telford’s future matters deeply to me.

“Reform UK stands for freedom of speech and that matters hugely to me. The cancel-culture must not be allowed to censor the respectful sharing of views”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

Reform UK is the only realistic alternative to the status quo. Telford’s other options are a replacement Conservative who doesn’t ‘get’ us, or a Labour Council Leader who’s offering more of the same, only worse. No thank you. Reform UK gives me the platform to fight for Telford, and make change happen.

I like that we’re small and lean and fighting hard to give people a voice. We’re becoming known as a party of common sense, and that appeals. As a party, we believe we need to get Brexit done properly and not just ‘done’, and I absolutely agree. We went to the people – they spoke – and it feels like very little has changed for the better.

I also believe that illegal immigration and abuse of the asylum system is out of control, and communities and local services cannot cope. As an island nation, we’ve always relied on positive immigration, but the system at the moment is broken for everyone. If we allow someone to stay, let them find work, find a home, and establish themselves in their community. Don’t sit them in two or three-year holding patterns, increasingly reliant on the state. And if they’re not entitled to be here, and are just abusing the system, then remove them from the country. Now.

I know first-hand that growing businesses are the best way to ‘grow us’ out of economic difficulty. If we can cut some of the stifling red tape, and support businesses to thrive and prosper, then we’ll all benefit. I’m not afraid of encouraging wealth creation, as long as business pays its dues. Success for businesses means more good jobs. It means more money in the public coffers. And that can only be a good thing.

More than anything, Reform UK stands for freedom of speech and that matters hugely to me. The cancel-culture must not be allowed to censor the respectful sharing of views.

“I served as a Submariner for six years, during the latter part of the Cold War. And it taught me service. To do what’s right and what’s necessary. To stand up and be counted”

You’re the Spokesman for Telford, what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I believe that the people of Telford deserve a choice other than ‘more of the same’. A real choice. And a candidate who wants to do the very best by them. That’s why I’m standing.

I’ve never had any ambition to be a politician. I was born in Oakengates and studied locally, before joining the Royal Navy at 17. I served as a Submariner for six years, during the latter part of the Cold War. And it taught me service. To do what’s right and what’s necessary. To stand up and be counted. And to do that whether anyone’s watching or not.

I see standing as an MP for Telford as a duty. We all deserve better than the options currently being presented to us.

Telford is a special place, and it has a DNA of its own. We’re proud, we’re hard-working, and we’re no-nonsense. We want common sense to be applied. And the only way that I can help make real change happen is to stand up and be counted, and to fight for Telford’s future.

“the abolition of IR35 rules which shackle those who choose the flexibility of self-employment, but who have one main client”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency, and what issues do you hope to champion?

There are so many ways that Reform UK is the right choice for the people of Telford, but I’ve picked four core areas that I believe resound the most.

1.      Business | Business is an integral part of our town, and Reform UK’s commitment to reduce corporation tax from 25% down to 20% will be welcome indeed. As will the abolition of IR35 rules which shackle those who choose the flexibility of self-employment, but who have one main client. Business rates will be scrapped for all SMEs, the VAT threshold raised to £120,000, and a 3% online delivery tax will create a much more level playing field for businesses on our high streets. Less red tape, more common sense!

2.      Healthcare | Healthcare is hugely important to everyone in our town and the downgrading of our A&E to an Urgent Treatment Centre just defies all logic and sense for a thriving and growing community. I’m determined to do all I can to fight for the Princess Royal to regain its full status again. People here in Telford, and across the wider UK, are suffering deeply because of record waiting lists and that can’t ever be OK. Reform UK has a viable plan to clear these lists – combining tax incentives to retain and re-recruit staff, providing access to more private healthcare, and reviewing all NHS contracts to cut waste, bureaucracy, and unnecessary managers. And all of this will be funded by reorganising the Bank of England QE debt, ensuring it no longer has to pay interest on reserves for commercial banks, and saving us all £billions.

3.      Fairness | Fairness is another core driver for local people, who just want the chance to get themselves ahead. Reform UK is committed to removing stamp duty on properties below £750,000, which covers the vast majority of homes in our town as the average house price is £234,000 (according to Rightmove). Inheritance Tax would be abolished for all estates under £2million, and VAT on energy bills would also be scrapped. Again, all fair, and absolutely the right thing to do.

4.      Armed Forces Community | I’m passionate about supporting serving and veteran members of our Armed Forces community. Standing for Reform UK, we’re committed to increasing the basic pay of service personnel to make sure that they earn more in the Forces than as an Amazon worker. And we’ll house and equip them properly too. While they’re serving, and after they leave, they’ll be entitled to a free education. And we’ll upgrade the ‘Office’ for Veterans’ Affairs to a full Department and fund it to the tune of £1billion a year. Best of all, defence spending will increase from 2.25% to 2.5% by 2027, and 3% by 2030 to ensure that we can all fully protect ourselves against all rising threats.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

For more information or to get in touch, please visit the website: www.alanadams.co.uk, or email: [email protected]. And, regular updates are posted on our social media platforms, too:

• Twitter / X: ReformUK Telford
• Instagram: Alan_Adams_ReformUK_Telford 
• Facebook: Alan Adams Reform UK PPC Telford
• TikTok: Reform UK Telford
• LinkedIn: Alan Adams
• YouTube: Alan Adams Reform UK PPC Telford
• GoFundMe: Reform UK Telford

Jack Brookes is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Birmingham Erdington. We spoke with Jack about his decision to stand.

“I live in the constituency in which I am standing; my family have lived in the constituency for decades”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a 25 year old libertarian and I have a degree in economics with finance (graduated 2020) from Queen’s University Belfast. I have worked many jobs including: financial crime (PwC), labourer, gas tool decontamination worker and postman.  

Unlike all too many of our current politicians… I did NOT grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth. 

“When we bring back law and order then people will be able to thrive and standards of living will increase”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

Reform UK is the only pro-freedom mainstream party. 

You’re the Spokesman for Birmingham Erdington what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I live in the constituency in which I am standing; my family have lived in the constituency for decades. Plus, I was selected to run in this constituency in the by-election in 2022; friends and people I went to school with live in this constituency – it would be an honour to represent them.

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

Locally: crime. It’s holding back the prosperity. Birmingham is the definition of anarcho-tyranny. When we bring back law and order then people will be able to thrive and standards of living will increase exponentially.   

Nationally: inflation and bad government. These can be destroyed by bringing back the gold standard: money printing, fiat currency and fractional reserve banking must go! We must never allow a Central Bank Digital Currency to be foisted upon us. If we go back to money that the establishment cannot control – then we, the people, can prevent corruption and unjust wars. It would be a stepping stone to the greatest peace of our time if we went back to sound money.

“I need boots on the ground. I need as many people as possible to distribute election materials”

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

I need boots on the ground. I need as many people as possible to distribute election materials. So if they can give me a message on WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram; put their: name, address and how many leaflets a day they can deliver a week then that would be smashing. 

All my links and further information is available at https://www.reformparty.uk/birmingham-erdington-constituency I can also be contacted by email at [email protected].

Eric Masters is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Broadland and Fakenham. We spoke with Eric about his decision to stand.

“the truth is we have been denied Brexit by Westminster politicians from all parties. because we the people did not do as we were told in 2016”

Thank you for the opportunity to address your readers

My name is Eric Masters, I am Norfolk born 62 years young and a Safety & Health consultant specialising in Fire & Security working mainly in the southeast. I am Married to a wonderful lady called Wendy who works with preschool children

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I originally struggled with going back into politics after the election, but the truth is we have been denied Brexit by Westminster politicians from all parties. because we the people did not do as we were told in 2016. A line must be drawn and these parties must be called out, and Reform is the only real choice when it comes to doing that.

“I believe Reform UK is a real choice for the Tory member and supporter in Broadland and Fakenham as well as the older voter who sees our values, history and culture being errored”

You’re the Spokesman for Broadland and Fakenham what’s made you decide to represent this area?

The Rural right voter of Broadland and Fakenham is crying out for a real Conservative candidate, one which was not parachuted into the constituency by CCHQ who nothing is more than a company man after the chosen 2019 candidate was removed for a comment 4 year before. The Constituency is crying out for real change, not the pro-immigration Labour party, the Pro EU Liberals and the deluded Greens. I believe Reform UK is a real choice for the Tory member and supporter in Broadland and Fakenham as well as the older voter who sees our values, history and culture being errored year in year out. i believe we should stand up for National religious institutions, even if the leadership of some have lost their way.  

“the message to them has been “Tell your Family, Tell your Friends, and tell your work colleagues Reform UK is a real choice and to say there is more than two choices on the Ballot paper”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

I would love the opportunity to debate the issues that face our constituency but sadly these will be washed away with the focus of Labour and Conservative being on national matters, we have issues with planning, roads, Flooding, Rural Crime and County line drug gangs to name some.

We must look to the future and a population of 100 million in 2050 will need to go somewhere. The Westminster usual suspects do not want to face up to the migration facts with some just burying their heads in the sand  

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

From the 20^th of this month, I have been engaging with our member and supporter across the constituency seeking help and assistance with our campaign, the message to them has been “Tell your Family, Tell your Friends, and tell your work colleagues Reform UK is a real choice and to say there is more than two choices on the Ballot paper, your vote counts and can make a difference.

As for me you can expect to see me in your town center, on your village green and down your street from now until polling day

E-Mail  [email protected]
Facebook Reform UK Broadland and Fakenham
Facebook Reform Norfolk
Facebook Reform Broadland and Fakenham constituency

Robin Jackson is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Slough. We spoke with Robin about his decision to stand.

“unhappy with the current Labour regime and a bankrupt town, I spoke to Reform, went through a stringent interview process and I am happy to be the Perspective Parliamentary Candidate for the general election”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Robin Jackson, I have five children, I am single and I live on my own in the Chalvey area of Slough.  For over 20 years I ran Hotels and pub restaurants to a high standard and at the age of forty moved in to recruitment and I am now a client director. 

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

After living here and seeing how bad things have become in Slough and everyone I speak with being so unhappy with the current Labour regime and a bankrupt town, I spoke to Reform, went through a stringent interview process and I am happy to be the Perspective Parliamentary Candidate for the general election to at least give the voters in Slough a choice as they have been let down massively here. 

“I wanted to be able to help the people of Slough and to make the council who are still under government special measures, accountable”

You’re the Spokesman for Slough what’s made you decide to represent this area?

The area is pretty run down, especially in Chalvey, issues with drugs, street drinking, litter and anti-social behaviour. rough sleepers and begging is rife. The town centre is dead, no late bars, clubs, no cinema, nothing really you would class as decent shopping as there is an ongoing issue with the owners of the shopping centre and all but two brands have moved out. I wanted to be able to help the people of Slough and to make the council who are still under government special measures, accountable for the way the at the town is run. 

“the major issues I would like to address are the lack of amenities for families and the lack of entertainment”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

There are day to day issues that get on peoples nerves like people parking on the pavement, dangerous scooters and e-bikes on the paths, litter everywhere, and drink an drug addicts in the town begging. But the major issues I would like to address are the lack of amenities for families and the lack of entertainment. I have never know a town to not have a cinema, there does not appear to be anyone driving this.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

I would love help in fund raising, recruiting new members and volunteers. I am looking to engage with about 100 people from all of the local churches, mosques, groups and communities who want to see real change in the town. If you don’t vote for change, you will get more of the same. You can find me on X/Twitter at @RobinJacks16957 and find more information at https://www.reformparty.uk/slough-constituency. You can also email me at: [email protected] with anything you need to raise or discuss. Thank you.

Neill Walker is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Newcastle-under-Lyme. We spoke with Neill about his decision to stand.

“I currently serve as a parish councillor and Vice Chair for Whitmore, I embarked on my journey into local politics. It became evident to me that our community faces systemic challenges”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Neill Walker, married to Julie, with two sons residing locally and two granddaughters attending school in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Regarding Brexit, yes, I did vote for it. However, the promises of Brexit being fully delivered have not materialized. The ongoing restrictions from the EU and other sources have hindered the growth of our country and caused more harm than good. It’s evident that significant change is necessary; it’s time to reform the entire system.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK

After establishing myself in Baldwins Gate, where I currently serve as a parish councillor and Vice Chair for Whitmore, I embarked on my journey into local politics. It became evident to me that our community faces systemic challenges, including a lack of accountability, transparency, and proactive engagement from local government, the Environment Agency, and Highways. This glaring deficiency has been a source of immense frustration.

Recognising the need for action, I resolved to step up and make a difference. My decision to stand for Reform UK, a party I have been a member of for nearly two years, was born out of a sincere belief that they prioritize the interests of the people. It’s disheartening to witness the shift in priorities of mainstream parties like Labour and the Conservatives, who seem more preoccupied with power struggles than serving the public. The prevalence of broken promises is alarming; in my view, when politicians commit to something, they should follow through. Too often, it seems some view holding a seat in the House of Commons as a entitlement, rather than a responsibility to be fulfilled with integrity and dedication.

“Additionally, I advocate for bringing services back to the local level, creating more well-paid jobs and ensuring greater control over council funds allocation”

You’re the Spokesman for Newcastle-under-Lyme what’s made you decide to represent this area?

Having been rooted in Newcastle-Under-Lyme for many years, I’ve borne witness to its evolution, not all of which has been positive. My connection to this area began at the age of 16, when I participated in the Youth Training Scheme (YTS), honing practical skills such as wiring a plug—skills often underestimated but crucial in daily life.

Despite periods of living and working both domestically and abroad, my wife and I have always felt a magnetic pull back to Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Our decision was solidified by familial ties; our sons reside locally, and our granddaughters attend school in the area. Furthermore, we are ingrained in a community filled with friends and relatives who call this place home.

Raised in Staffordshire, I possess an innate passion for the region, cherishing its heritage and the resilience of its people. This affinity is amplified by my wife’s extensive service as a nurse within the NHS for 35 years, and my brother-in-law’s 38-year tenure as a GP. These familial connections have afforded me insights into the inner workings of the NHS, enriching my understanding of its challenges and triumphs.

“The Iron Market and the market itself hold nostalgic value but have become eyesores. By reducing business rates and imposing charges on online stores, we can support local businesses and breathe new life into the town centre”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

If entrusted with the responsibility to represent the people of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, I am dedicated to initiating meaningful change, focusing on three pivotal areas:

Reform of Local Councils:

I envision local councils characterised by accountability and transparency. To achieve this, I propose regular meetings among portfolio heads and the executive team to openly discuss and review the council’s state and services. Additionally, I advocate for bringing services back to the local level, creating more well-paid jobs and ensuring greater control over council funds allocation. Creating avenues for public challenges will empower communities to voice concerns, particularly regarding planning decisions, ensuring that brownfield sites are prioritized over green spaces for development.

Reform of Quangos – Environment Agency and Highways:

Recent actions by the Environment Agency, particularly regarding Walley Quarry, have raised concerns due to a lack of transparency in decision-making processes. Reforming the agency is imperative. Similarly, our highways system requires urgent attention. Potholes, hazardous pavements, and malfunctioning traffic lights highlight the disjointed nature of our current system. Streamlining operations and prioritizing local teams will allow us to address these issues effectively.

Reform Taxation – Help Rejuvenate our Town:

Our town center has experienced a decline in recent years, losing independent retailers and failing to attract visitors. To reverse this trend, we must encourage the return of independent retailers and increase footfall by creating more attractive amenities. The Iron Market and the market itself hold nostalgic value but have become eyesores. By reducing business rates and imposing charges on online stores, we can support local businesses and breathe new life into the town centre.

By focusing on these reforms, I am committed to revitalising Newcastle-Under-Lyme and ensuring that it remains a vibrant and prosperous community for generations to come.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

To get involved – with stales and leafleting or if there are groups that need supporting in your area then please contact me either through my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NewcastleUnderLymeRefomUK/ or email me at: [email protected].