Category: Reform / Brexit Party

Steve Chilcott is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Ealing, Southall.  We spoke with Steve about his decision to stand.

“I class myself as a classical liberal and believe the old lens of Right vs Left is often now irrelevant”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Steve Chilcott, I’m 54, separated with one teenage son who spends half the week with me! I have lived in London for 24 years, for the last 13 years in Southall. Previously I lived on the South coast, in Portsmouth and grew up near Southampton. I studied Biology at the University of Bath and then a post graduate diploma in Human Resources at the University of Portsmouth. My political past has been mixed, supporting the Lib Dems in Bath during the times of the Poll tax, and Labour in the mid 1990s. I class myself as a classical liberal and believe the old lens of Right vs Left is often now irrelevant. I was a strong supporter of Brexit, supporting UKIP, then the Brexit Party and now, am a proud supporter and member of Reform UK. I am also a very strong advocate for free speech and have occasionally appeared on GB News discussing the matter. It pains me that both Brexit and free speech can be maligned as Right wing issues, when I firmly believe neither are!

“So much in our once great country is broken, institutions such as the BBC, NHS and Civil Service which were once rightly venerated, are now part of the problem”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

Our current first past the post system of democracy has resulted in the Labour and Conservative parties gaining a combined 80% plus of all votes in our elections for many years. The two are now indistinguishable, neither now represent their historic voter base but represent a narrow middle class political elite. Trust and confidence is at a low and the levels of faith in our politicians is at risk of causing more harm. So much in our once great country is broken, institutions such as the BBC, NHS and Civil Service which were once rightly venerated, are now part of the problem. Reform are the only party with truly sensible, pragmatic and common sense policies. I want to be part of the way forward, and Reform provide me with a sense of optimism for the future.

“Our current Labour MP is unfortunately both invisible and silent. His pals in the Labour Party run Ealing Council do little to help stagnation in the area”

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

Having lived in Southall for over 13 years, I see how the area has changed for the worse. It has become run down, dirty, with increasing crime. Our current Labour MP is unfortunately both invisible and silent. His pals in the Labour Party run Ealing Council do little to help stagnation in the area. The area is crying out for someone who speaks for and represents everyone across the constituency, and is proactively working hard for the benefit of everyone. We need to put Southall back on the map, a place all its residents are proud of and which attracts people to visit as a go to place, the Brick Lane of West London!

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

Holding the Labour run Ealing Council to account, working proactively with the police to address the increasing levels of crime, campaigning to keep all of Warren Farm as a beautiful nature reserve, resolving the ongoing problem of pollution in certain areas, ensuring levels of residential development are matched with infrastructure development and working hard for the huge range of small and large businesses across the constituency.

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

You can also find out more about Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/ and contact me at [email protected] or follow me on X (twitter) @OfSouthall.

Ian Price is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner.  We spoke with Ian about his decision to stand.

“I first chose to stand for Reform UK because it was the only party objecting to the lockdown during the pandemic”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Ian Price, a business psychologist. Married with one grown-up son.  I also write for the Daily Sceptic with my articles listed at https://dailysceptic.org/author/ian-price/.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I had not been active in politics before but first stood for Reform UK in the 2021 London Assembly elections and again in the Local Elections of 2022. I first chose to stand for Reform UK because it was the only party objecting to the lockdown during the pandemic. I continue to stand for the party because I strongly support its policies, particularly on the economy, policing, net zero and immigration.

“This constituency is on the Greater London boundary and so has been very adversely impacted by the ULEZ expansion. People’s freedoms have been impinged”

You’re the Spokesman for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I’ve lived here for 25 years and am active in the community.

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

This constituency is on the Greater London boundary and so has been very adversely impacted by the ULEZ expansion. People’s freedoms have been impinged and they have been made poorer unnecessarily.

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

I can be followed on X (Twitter) at https://twitter.com/IPricePsychAuth, and contacted by email at [email protected].

You can also find out more about Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/ and read my Substack at https://ianprice.substack.com/.

Sandra Daniells is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.  We spoke with Sandra about her decision to stand.

“after reading the Reform Manifesto, I realised that they were an excellent fit for me. They prioritise common sense policies that put people first”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Sandra Daniells, a businesswoman, former nurse and care home owner from Bognor Regis. I recently joined Reform, a political party that I firmly believe aligns with my values and vision for the future, so much so that I have become the Reform spokesperson for the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Constituency.

What motivated you to join Reform?

I felt politically homeless for a while, as someone who had been a lifelong Conservative voter and member. But after reading the Reform Manifesto, I realised that they were an excellent fit for me. They prioritise common sense policies that put people first, and I believe that’s exactly what we need right now.

You’ve expressed concerns about the volume of illegal migrants entering the country. Can you elaborate on that?

Yes, I think it’s a huge problem that’s not being properly addressed. These people are taking enormous risks to enter the country, often in dangerous conditions, and it’s a tragedy that so many of them are losing their lives in the process. But it’s also a matter of national security. We need to have control over who enters the country and ensure that those who do are properly screened and vetted.

“We need to focus on practical solutions that reduce our carbon footprint without sacrificing economic growth and wellbeing”

You’re also sceptical of the Net Zero initiative. Why is that?

I think it’s a noble goal, but the way it’s being pursued is misguided. It’s diverting resources away from core services like healthcare and education, and it’s going to make us net poorer in the long run. We need to focus on practical solutions that reduce our carbon footprint without sacrificing economic growth and wellbeing.

Can you tell us about some of the challenges facing your constituency?

It’s a mixed bag, with some areas that are very affluent and others that have high levels of poverty and low life expectancy. We’ve also had issues with house-building and severe flooding in recent years, which have affected many residents and businesses, and there’s been a lot of inward immigration from Eastern Europe, which has presented challenges in terms of housing, jobs, and school places locally.

What’s one issue that’s particularly important to you?

The sewage being discharged regularly into the sea by Southern Water. It’s a major problem that’s having a devastating effect on our seaside tourism and beach-focused economy, as well as on local people who enjoy the sea. We need to hold Southern Water accountable and find a solution to this issue as soon as possible.

“We’ve also had issues with house-building and severe flooding in recent years, which have affected many residents and businesses”

How can people get involved in your campaign?

They can contact me on Facebook at ‘Sandra Daniells for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton‘, on ‘X’ (Twitter) at @reformsussex, via email, at [email protected] or by phone 07779 0291030. I’m always happy to hear from constituents and anyone who’s interested in learning more about Reform and my campaign.

You can also find out more about Reform at https://www.reformparty.uk/.

What’s your vision for the future of your constituency and the country as a whole?

I want to bring common sense back to politics and prioritise policies that benefit all people, not just a privileged few. We need to address the challenges facing our communities, invest in core services, and create a sustainable future that works for everyone. And I firmly believe that Reform is the party to make that happen.

John Perry is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Havant.  We spoke with John about his decision to stand.

“I have always been a strong supporter of BREXIT, and after the 2016 EU Referendum, I believed that the UK would no longer take instructions from the EU; I believed in our Independence.  Unfortunately, the Conservatives decided not to abolish EU Legislation, refused to control our borders and have sold out our fishermen, meanwhile they are implementing an unaffordable net-zero strategy that is making us poorer.  I felt I had to stand up for the people of Havant and the UK”.

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is John Perry, and I was born in London, however for the last 40 years, I have lived in the Havant Constituency with my wife; we have two grown up children.

I have an honours degree in electronics and am a qualified accountant with extensive experience in manufacturing, finance, audit, and mergers and acquisitions.

“I am also a strong believer in the UK’s Sovereignty with our electable MPs being accountable for UK legislation”

In 1975, I voted to be in the Common Market as I believed this was beneficial to UK residents and businesses.  However, the Common Market has morphed into a political organisation called the European Union and the Common Market has now become a deeply protective customs union forcing high prices on residents and deterring world trade. 

I am also a strong believer in the UK’s Sovereignty with our electable MPs being accountable for UK legislation, rather that laws being forced on us by unelected bureaucrats in Brussels.

I wanted control over our borders and no free-movement and I also wanting our Exclusive Economic Zone reserved for our fishing industry.  Unfortunately, despite BREXIT, which is really BRexit In Name Only (BRINO), the Tories have delivered neither of these opportunities.

“the Conservatives claim to have conservative values, but they practice socialist values”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I have seen the Conservatives implement their own form or socialism called Consocialism.  This is a more dangerous and insidious form of covert socialism compared to the Labour Party’s overt socialism, because the Conservatives claim to have conservative values, but they practice socialist values.  Socialists eventually run out of other people’s money.

Under Blair’s premiership, Labour opened our borders to mass immigration.  In 2010, Cameron stated immigration would be cut to tens of thousands, but instead they increased immigration to 1.2 million in 2022, with net immigration of 600,000. 

High immigration increases the demand for houses and so forces up house prices and rents making them unaffordable to many.

“During the COVID Lockdown period, Labour wanted an even more draconian lockdown than the Conservatives implemented; meanwhile, Labour and Conservative politicians partied while we were fined if we made trips deemed unnecessary”

Meanwhile, Labour is making a concerted attacks on motorists.  There have implemented a default town speed limit of 20mph in Wales; in London they have implemented congestion charging, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ).  In Birmingham they are closing car parks.  Do you want these policies implemented by Labour across the UK?  The Conservatives also fully supported the London ULEZ plans.

During the COVID Lockdown period, Labour wanted an even more draconian lockdown than the Conservatives implemented; meanwhile, Labour and Conservative politicians partied while we were fined if we made trips deemed unnecessary.  And don’t forget the multi-million-pound contracts awarded to Tory supporters for PPE equipment that netted them huge unjustified profits and the £37 billion of taxpayer money wasted on a non-functional Trace and Trace System.

Labour were criticised for raising the National Debt, but the Conservatives have raised it from 50% to 100% of GDP, see this article.  The UK must live within its own means, yet the Conservatives are planning to borrow even more money to give us a pre-General Election bribe in 2024!

Do not fall for Conservative promises; judge them on what they have done in harming our economy with high taxes, high inflation, high debt, and high energy prices.

Richard Tice, the party leader of Reform, has financially supported Reform UK and we offer a real alternative to Labour and the Conservatives whose policies implemented policies are identical.

Reform UK WILL:

• Abolish #NetZero which is unaffordable.
• Implement one-in, one-out for immigration.
• Reform the economy and go for growth.
• Implement a £20,000 income tax allowance.
• Cut Corporation Tax to stimulate tax revenue.
• Implement zero NHS waiting lists.
• Reform the House of Lords and BBC.

If you want change, you MUST VOTE for CHANGE.

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

• To learn more about Reform in HAVANT, please visit our website at https://johnperry.org.uk
• If you wish to know more about why I am standing, and my personal policies then please visit https://johnperry.org.uk/policy
• If you would like to contact me, please email: [email protected]
• If you wish to help our campaign with a donation towards our costs, you may do so here: https://johnperry.org.uk/donate
• If you would like to become a Reform UK member, then please click here

Darren Selkus is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Hertsmere.  We spoke with Darren about his decision to stand.

“Until 2019 I had little interest in politics but became engaged after the result of the 2016 referendum was ignored. I joined the Brexit Party and was selected as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m not a politician and to be honest don’t want to be one. BUT we need change and I’m committed to making it happen.

I’m a British Army veteran, CEO of the UV Group Plc and married with two kids and two dogs. This experience makes up for any inexperience in politics and better to represent and fight for the people of Hertsmere.

Until 2019 I had little interest in politics but became engaged after the result of the 2016 referendum was ignored. I joined the Brexit Party and was selected as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Epping Forest.

“Only Reform UK believes in a small State where we have more control over our own lives. Only Reform UK will end the Net Zero insanity that makes us poorer”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

Like many I’d had enough of the two party system and politicians that say one thing and do another. With nobody to vote for there was only one way of doing something about it.

My views are aligned with Reform UK and they are the leading contender to challenge the Tory/Labour duopoly.

Without Reform UK there is no democracy and no choice. There’s little difference in policy between the Conservatives and Labour. Only Reform UK believes in a small State where we have more control over our own lives. Only Reform UK will end the Net Zero insanity that makes us poorer, less competitive and just exports CO2 emissions to other countries. Only Reform UK will reduce taxes and accelerate growth. Only Reform UK wants to control immigration and will radically reform our public services, including the NHS, to make them fit for purpose.

The fight is now to Change Politics For Good and what I’m here to do.

“Sitting on the border with London the ULEZ extension impacts many in Herstmere and I will fight to get it scrapped”

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

I live in Hertsmere and am very happy to have been appointed the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate.

I look forward to challenging Oliver Dowden MP and holding not only the Conservative Government  but all of the Westminster establishment to account.

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

Sitting on the border with London the ULEZ extension impacts many in Herstmere and I will fight to get it scrapped.

Constituency Representation – I will be available to all constituents and will fight their causes to the best of my ability.

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

Please visit the Reform UK Website at https://www.reformparty.uk/ for more information about the party and you can follow and contact me on Twitter, Facebook, and at [email protected].

You can also find out more about Reform in Hertfordshire at https://reformuk-herts.uk/.

Simon Lee is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Sevenoaks.  We spoke with Simon about his decision to stand.

“it is being a father and my rewarding work with other children, that has led me into the political arena to secure a more safe and freer future for them. Reform U.K. seemed the only real choice for me”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Simon Lee and I have been living in Sevenoaks for 11 years now and a frequent visitor to the town before becoming a resident. I am a veteran high performance coach and therapist of over 30 years for children and adults. I have recently written a book called ‘The Courage Project: The Counter Poise To Fear,’ which is a powerful call to courage for men to take responsibility for their society. I am publishing two more books this year. I have three children and it is being a father and my rewarding work with other children, that has led me into the political arena to secure a more safe and freer future for them. Reform U.K. seemed the only real choice for me, due to its complete separation from the authoritarian organisations seeking  to impose their control over the countries of Europe and beyond.

“there is a great concern from the young people about the ideologies drifting into schools, the madness of WOKE culture”

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

Sevenoaks has been a Conservative stronghold for many years but recently the Lib Dem’s won all but one seat in the area. Having spoken to many people in the area, there is a great concern from the young people about the ideologies drifting into schools, the madness of WOKE culture and the looming threat of organisations like the WEF. This appears to be the crossover of concern that both the young and the older generations agree on. There is a general disillusionment with politics in Sevenoaks which is representative of the similar outlook, that has understandable spread throughout the U.K.

I feel it is vital that Sevenoaks and indeed all constituency’s realise that the mainstream parties are all aligned with the likes of the WHO and the WEF who want to remove people’s sovereignty. This is where unwanted policies like digital IDs, Net Zero, 15-minute neighbourhoods, ULEZ and other plans, designed to remove personal freedoms are originating from.

It is now obvious that we don’t have leaders in power but managers, who are compliant and serving the needs of those in power above them.

“The mainstream parties have always encouraged people not to waste their vote and we are now in a situation where voting a mainstream party is the real wasted vote”

If more people realised what this meant to themselves and their children, I believe they would mostly stay clear of such policies and the parties that represent them. The mainstream parties have always encouraged people not to waste their vote and we are now in a situation where voting a mainstream party is the real wasted vote, because we will end up with the organisations they serve in power. This will be at the expense and to the detriment of the British people they are supposed to serve. I am totally against the current coercive, manipulative and forceful government approach and believe true leadership is to earn and represent the trust and will of the people.

Ultimately I will champion looking after the needy and vulnerable in my society and encouraging responsibility for everyone, to protect and nurture the community against any harmful influences and help those in difficult circumstances.

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

Please visit the Reform UK Website at https://www.reformparty.uk/ for more information about the party and you can contact me at [email protected].

Kevan Chippindall-Higgin is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Fareham and Waterlooville.  We spoke with Kevan about his decision to stand.

“Now we are faced with ruin as the direct result of 25 years of socialism.  The national debt is nearly the size of our GDP and has trebled in just 13 years.  That is profligacy on an epic scale.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I was a Conservative Party member until 2014 when I had a problem locally and none of the Conservative councillors, two of whom I knew personally, even bothered to reply to my mail, never mind do anything about it.  I was by then becoming disillusioned with the way the country was going and joined UKIP.

I have worked in a number of disparate industries and represented companies both here and abroad.  I speak French and German.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

UKIP imploded post Brexit and again, when we had quite serious, internal local problems, nothing was done.  UKIP is now irrelevant.

I stood for UKIP in Portsmouth South in 2017 but like so many others, believed in Boris Johnson to stop the rot over Brexit and did nothing in 2019.  That was a big mistake, but then even Nigel Farage was taken in by Boris.

Now we are faced with ruin as the direct result of 25 years of socialism.  The national debt is nearly the size of our GDP and has trebled in just 13 years.  That is profligacy on an epic scale.

“The issues facing Fareham and Waterlooville are the same as many other places.  Soaring costs, moribund wages and ever worsening services to name but a few.”

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

I live in Portsmouth and feel very strongly that an MP needs to live within the community represented.  Fareham is right next door and a 20-minute drive away.  While not actually living in the constituency, being that close is good enough.

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

The issues facing Fareham and Waterlooville are the same as many other places.  Soaring costs, moribund wages and ever worsening services to name but a few.  Our burgeoning population cannot now be properly serviced.  I have seen estimates of some 2 million people living here illegally, on top of the 750,000 who turned up legally in 2022.  The people arriving here illegally by boat are costing us a fortune and we have no idea who they are.

The very first thing we need to look at are those here illegally.  They impose an intolerable strain on the nation’s resources.  Those coming over by boat must be stopped mid Channel.  Those who have failed the asylum process must be sent back.

The next big issue is climate change.  This is simply not happening.  Were the climate changing, we would be growing peaches and oranges in Hampshire.  We do not.  CO2 has been conclusively shown to increase AFTER warming.  CO2 makes up 0.042% of atmospheric gas and is a thus a trace gas.  CO2 is essential to life on earth as it is plant food.  Without plants, all that can survive on Earth would be bacteria.

“the Climate Change Act must be repealed, and work started immediately on extracting nature’s treasure from beneath our feet in order to become as energy self-sufficient as possible”

Pollution is a different issue and certainly, road pollution has been dramatically reduced to virtually vanishing point.  To put this in context, Portsmouth has a clean air zone, but not in areas of rush hour congestion but rather downwind of the harbour entrance.  Maritime engines have nothing like the emissions controls of terrestrial engines and the result is that the southwestern corner of Portsea Island has all the pollution.  It has nothing to do with motor vehicles.

Very simply, the Climate Change Act must be repealed, and work started immediately on extracting nature’s treasure from beneath our feet in order to become as energy self-sufficient as possible.

Law and order is now a complete farce.  The Human Rights Act needs to go so that we can deport those here illegally and foreign criminals as quickly as possible.  We need to de-politicise the police, which means getting rid of Police and Crime Commissioners for a start.  Closing Bramshill (The Police Staff College) should also be a priority and quite possibly clearing out most of the senior officers and cancelling senior fast track recruiting.  It did not work in Trenchard’s day (Hugh Trenchard  Metropolitan Police Commissioner from 1931 to 1935) and it is not working now.  

“Wokeism is the new fascism.  Failure to toe the woke line means job loss.  This is the new intolerance.”

The police must impartially uphold the law.  This means arresting those who shout hateful slogans against Islam as well those doing the same against Jews.  If that means mobilising every copper in the land to break up and deal with hate demos, so be it.  We also need proper sentencing, not the nonsense we have now.  Get caught stealing and into jail you go.

We must also control public spending.  The civil service is now totally bloated and an awful lot of them could be let go and nobody would notice the difference.  Budgets need to be slashed everywhere.  Not military or police but foreign aid and of course all the woke nonsense.  Wokeism is the new fascism.  Failure to toe the woke line means job loss.  This is the new intolerance.  Traditionally, those with differing views and unwise enough to articulate them got a kicking in the car park.  Now they get cancelled.  Both approaches work equally effectively, and this has been the technique of extremists through the ages.

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

Please visit the Reform UK Website at https://www.reformparty.uk/ and for those who wish to join in, I can be contacted via email at [email protected].

Colin Wright is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Wokingham.  We spoke with Colin about his decision to stand.

“Reform has a truly Conservative manifesto that I believe relates to the majority of UK voters”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Colin Wright, have lived in Crowthorne/Sandhurst since 1979 and witnessed many changes and challenges throughout that time in the area. My parents worked locally in Broadmoor for many years and I am close to this area having been born in Northern Ireland. My wife was born in Wokingham and the children, David and Keelin locally at Frimley.

Career wise I have set up the European operations of many IT Software companies and spent a lot of my time over past 20 years in European countries most weeks.

“that old saying of “doing things same way for years and expecting different results” spurs me on and seems so apt to our current UK Governing parties”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I guess, like many prospective Reform UK voters we have been left politically homeless by the two major parties, many of us would have been Conservatives who have appeared to have abandoned any genuine Conservative policies. Reform has a truly Conservative manifesto that I believe relates to the majority of UK voters and we need to start to breakdown the 2 party aspect that gives all of us as voters no clear view of any differentiation between the two.

The aftermath of the 2016 referendum was dismal, the first in my adult life and to see the politicians try to overturn at every opportunity saddened me that voters were treated with such disdain, whatever anyone’s thoughts of the result, democracy has to be put first.

Our current Government has squandered all goodwill, ignoring their members and voters, and presenting Labour with an open goal, but one that the normal voter won’t notice any difference, changes occur in every life and context, by having true competition from other more current support political topics can the electorate truly be reflected in a changing UK.

I’m a huge supporter of change in every context, that old saying of “doing things same way for years and expecting different results” spurs me on and seems so apt to our current UK Governing parties.

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

It’s an area I have spent most of my adult life in and around, both work and pleasure, an area that has changed hugely and as a strong Conservative base it would perhaps be an area that feels let down by the Government. In John Redwood the area does have a true Conservative MP, one that looks very isolated in the current party? If we could achieve a point where we elect One, Two, Three MPs then with stamina and momentum/energy we can really start to make inroads to affect positive change and momentum.

“I would never presume to know every issue of the Town and area, but would give 100% time and commitment to assist with the most compelling and identified electorate issues that arise, giving a voice to every single person who needs it, or wants it“

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

Wokingham is an affluent area, there is no argument to that and perhaps a little stronger than many other areas, however the issues that are important will be identified by the electorate. I would never presume to know every issue of the Town and area, but would give 100% time and commitment to assist with the most compelling and identified electorate issues that arise, giving a voice to every single person who needs it, or wants it.

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

Please visit the Reform UK website for more information on the party or contact me at [email protected].

Rory O’Brien is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Spelthorne.  We spoke with Rory about his decision to stand.

“2021 Surrey County Council elections, with a 4% share of votes. Subsequently, for Sunbury Common in the 2022 by-election for Spelthorne Council, with a 7% share of votes. And most recently, in the 2023 Local Election for Sunbury Common, with a continued increase to 11% share of votes.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Sligo, Eire to Anglo-Irish parents, and settled in the UK in the late 1970’s. Growing up and schooled in South Harrow, North-West London, in a loving single-parent household with two older siblings.

I’ve been lucky to work and experience many sectors over the years including hospitality, property, accounting and project management. My career has now evolved to become an Agile Coach for an Integrated Energy Company, supporting project teams to improve their collaboration and outcomes.

I moved to the Spelthorne area in 2007, initially living in Ashford Common and now living in Sunbury, with my wife Sandra and two children.

What made you stand for Reform UK?

My first involvement in politics was as part of the grass-roots campaign team, for the Brexit Party in Spelthorne, in the lead up to the 2019 General Election. Spelthorne has long been a Conservative stronghold and the decision to stand down Brexit Party candidates in Tory held seats, left me feeling politically homeless in the 2019 General election. Unable to align myself with any of the “remaining” candidates on the ballot paper, I jokingly promised then to stand myself as an Independent in the next election. As exercising your right to vote is fundamental, “The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.” (John Lewis, late civil rights activist), and I’d at least have a candidate I could align with.

However, it was the draconian measures of Covid 19 lockdowns and the dangerous groupthink emanating from All parties in Westminster, that spurred me into direct action. Firstly, standing for Sunbury Common & Ashford Common in the 2021 Surrey County Council elections, with a 4% share of votes. Subsequently, for Sunbury Common in the 2022 by-election for Spelthorne Council, with a 7% share of votes. And most recently, in the 2023 Local Election for Sunbury Common, with a continued increase to 11% share of votes.

“By his own admissions, Mr. Kwarteng confirmed scrapping the expansion plans of Heathrow was an identifiable divergence between Labour and Conservative policies, irrespective of the benefits to the UK”

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

I had hoped things would’ve improved but having looked deeper into our malfunctioning institutions and processes, my only conclusion is reforms are essential.

I attended a meeting of the ‘Back Heathrow’ campaign at the Spelthorne Council offices in 2023, also in attendance and support was our current Conservative MP, Kwasi Kwarteng.

During this meeting, the ‘Back Heathrow’ team shared a summary of the last 20 years, since decisions were made to expand Heathrow in 2001, with their aims to increase the number of flights, creating more jobs, boosting the UK’s economy and maintaining Heathrow’s stance as a hub airport against European competition.

In January 2009, the Labour Government backed Heathrow’s expansion. However, by May 2010 with the incoming coalition Government of Conservatives-Liberal Democrats, (including the assumption to office for Spelthorne of, Kwasi Kwarteng) the expansion was cancelled. By his own admissions, Mr. Kwarteng confirmed scrapping the expansion plans of Heathrow was an identifiable divergence between Labour and Conservative policies, irrespective of the benefits to the UK.

By comparison in 2005, Germany saw the major capital expenditure project to expand Frankfurt International Airport begin. Which included an additional fourth runway and third passenger terminal, a project that garnered support across the Bundestag (German Parliament).

How was it possible for Germany to deliver the benefits of such a major project and the UK still unable to place a shovel in the ground? Although Frankfurt airports expansion wasn’t uncontested (with regular protests from opposition groups). It was ultimately through consensus of the major political parties collaborating. This was aided through the Germans use of AMS (Additional Members System) of Proportional Representation (PR), resulting in less combative and more collaborative, coalition government rule.

When I put the question to Kwasi Kwarteng, how the UK’s FPTP (First Past the Post) system fails the UK with passing major, multi-decade infrastructure projects. In typical deflecting, self-preservation style, the response was for opposition parties to join his newfound supportive stance of, backing the Heathrow expansion plan.

When I look back to Nick Clegg’s speech in 2010, dismissing any nuclear power expansion program as benefits of additional capacity wouldn’t be realised until 2021. The un-mitigating disaster of HS2 and nonchalance from the UK Government on the closures of the Rough Gas storage facility. These may all have elements of hindsight; However, the short-termism of government and its decision-making process, have also had significant impacts.

“I’m standing for Reform UK because I’ve had enough of the mediocre representation and duopoly of politics, that has led us to where we are today.”

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

As alluded to already, Heathrow airport is a huge primary and secondary provider of jobs and opportunities for the area.

However, the continued anti-driver rhetoric and cash cow policies of ULEZ expansions to include Heathrow airport, have a direct impact on small and medium sized enterprises in the constituency. Spelthorne borders the three London Boroughs of Hounslow, Richmond upon Thames and Kingston upon Thames, impacting it’s residents and businesses alike.

Primarily the big concerns are focused on the National level, as these filter down and impact locally. You should always watch what a politician does and not be distracted by what they say. The ULEZ expansion plan was triggered by Grant Shapps, (then Transport Secretary) in a memo to the Mayor’s Office, as a condition for further financial support to TfL. Hence, we hear dissent from the Conservatives regarding ULEZ expansion, but see no actions taken.

The UK Energy Bill 2023 was passed with the worrying additional clauses for provisions of fines up to £15,000, or 12-months imprisonment for failures of home owners to meet energy performance regulations, and granting public functions enforcement rights to enter properties, under such energy performance regulations. With clear government overstep, one would’ve hoped for some level of opposition from the other benches. The Bill passed largely unopposed (280 for – 19 against), with Labour MP’s abstaining from the vote.

I’m standing for Reform UK because I’ve had enough of the mediocre representation and duopoly of politics, that has led us to where we are today. Firmly believing in a return to the values of ‘small government’, providing over-sight whilst promoting free expression, freedom of movement, freedom of choice, and free-market principles.

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

If you are fed up too, please get involved, join us, volunteer and help us campaign.

I can be reached on email; [email protected] and you can follow my progress on Twitter/X https://twitter.com/SunburyUk/.