Reginald Chester-Sterne is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for New Forest West. We spoke with Reginald about his decision to stand.
“I’ve owned several local businesses and still run 2 de-pasture pedigree English Longhorn cattle on the Forest”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Born in The New Forest and lived here all my life. I’ve owned several local businesses and still run 2 de-pasture pedigree English Longhorn cattle on the Forest. An Engineer by profession, I have worked overseas in 17 different countries managing large projects and diverse workforces.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
Alienated one too many times by the Conservatives. This country needs a change to honest politics and politicians that work for the country and its people, not themselves and their friends. I am willing to spend time and effort changing this country so it is a fit place to live again.
You’re the Spokesman for New Forest Westwhat’s made you decide to represent this area?
I’ve lived here all my life and running businesses here know the trials and tribulations faced by people. Committed to the area and its protection. Breadth and width of life experience can be brought to bear to solve the myriad problems we currently face.
“This country needs a change to honest politics and politicians that work for the country and its people”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
We have a multi layer multi agency management structure for the Forest that does not always work in tandem or in a joined up way. The spread of Southampton’s port could become a problem.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Catherine Becker is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Hampstead and Highgate. We spoke with Catherine about her decision to stand.
“I have become increasingly frustrated at the poor running of government both by Labour at the local and London-wide level and by Conservatives at national level”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I have a successful business background rather than being a career politician. However, I have become increasingly frustrated at the poor running of government both by Labour at the local and London-wide level and by Conservatives at national level. I saw Reform policies and the sensible and well thought through solutions to crime, the economy and across the board and was delighted that there was a credible alternative.
You’re the Spokesman for Hampstead and Highgate what’s made you decide to represent this area?
Hampstead and Highgate have the third worst crime in the whole of London. There are only 2 policeman per ward (who are on shifts and if on holiday/sick not replaced) and there is little funding or operational efficiency to support them. In addition, labour have been running the area for over 25 years and there has been a rise in wasted expenditure, poor amenities and pushing through irresponsible policies. I have real solutions and policies to turn this round without bankrupting the area.
“having more front line police is key, but it’s not just about funding (which Reform will increase by 28%) but also about creating a safe culture in which the police operate”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
a. Crime – is one of the biggest – having more front line police is key, but it’s not just about funding (which Reform will increase by 28%) but also about creating a safe culture in which the police operate. Many have left the force as a result, and having run a business I know about keeping a culture in our organisations so they thrive and stay.
b. Transport – The 20 miles an hour restriction is important near schools and small roads, but along the finchley road and other key main roads is too restrictive and can be more dangerous. The safer streets again is important but has been rushed through and in many cases means the elderly cannot get essential visits or deliveries and is certainly not making our streets cleaner.
c. Housing – we need more affordable housing, but without being rushed through by labour without the necessary increases in tubes, GPs, hospitals, schools and infrastructure. This needs to happen alongside which it currently is not.
“There should be proper tenders for all government expenditure not the chumocracy we have at present. And we want to make it better for workers and local business owners too by taxing less and delivering growth”
d. Economy – The expenditure and deficit in H&H is poorly handled by Labour, I am a business person and used to getting the best value out of our budgets. There should be proper tenders for all government expenditure not the chumocracy we have at present. And we want to make it better for workers and local business owners too by taxing less and delivering growth in the area.
e. Students and young people – many people think labour is the party for young people but our policies of not taxing the first £20k of income (as opposed to £12.5k now), no interest on student loans and better crime prevention and amenities show that Reform have the best policies to provide support.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Malcolm Cupis is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Melksham and Devizes. We spoke with Malcolm about his decision to stand.
“I grew up in Melksham and went to school at Aloeric Primary School and George Ward Comprehensive… and live in Keevil with my wife Caroline, two dogs and a cat.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I grew up in Melksham and went to school at Aloeric Primary School and George Ward Comprehensive before emigrating to South Africa with my family when I was 15 years old in 1983.
I returned to this country in 1989 and became Editor of the Melksham News and founder Editor of White Horse News in 1990. This was followed by a career in public relations which included living in London, the Middle East, and extended periods of time in various parts of Africa, and the Far East. I returned to this area in 2019 and live in Keevil with my wife Caroline, two dogs and a cat.
“The Party stands strongly for the classically liberal values of low taxation, personal responsibility, small government, empowered individualism”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I was an active member of the Conservative Party for 25 years before resigning last year. The farce over the leadership contest was absolutely the final straw for me. The Conservative Party has moved further and further away from core conservative values in the last 20 years and I no longer felt able to support it. It is absolutely clear to me that those values have been embraced by Reform UK.
The Party stands strongly for the classically liberal values of low taxation, personal responsibility, small government, empowered individualism, properly policed borders, free market economics, law and order and, above all, common sense. It is resistant to conformity, statism, bureaucracy and authoritarianism.
One of the biggest problems we have in politics now is that Parliament is chocked full of identikit career politicians who get parachuted into constituencies that they have no real affiliation to, having previously gone to the ‘right’ school and Oxbridge. They often have no real-life experience. They exist to impose centralised policies on their constituents, regardless of their opinions, needs and aspirations. I’ve done things the hard way. I haven’t been parachuted in from London or Cheshire with the financial support of a big political party.
“villages throughout the constituency, have seen largescale housebuilding in the last few years with little or no commensurate investment in associated infrastructure”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
My main areas of focus are:
1. Campaign for no more housebuilding without investment in infrastructure
Melksham and Devizes in particular, but also other town and villages throughout the constituency, have seen largescale housebuilding in the last few years with little or no commensurate investment in associated infrastructure.
By this I mean roads, schools, healthcare facilities, retail leisure facilities and dedicated commercial areas. The result of this has been that living standards have dropped markedly as pressure has increased on all these things.
I will campaign vigorously to not just bring the infrastructure up to an appropriate level for the housebuilding that has taken place, but also to insist that it must be further appropriately developed before future housebuilding takes place. No infrastructure – no more housebuilding.
2. We need our own hospital
This follows on closely from the first point. With the great increase in the number of people living in the area it is iniquitous that people in the West of the constituency are dependent on the Royal United Hospital in Bath and people in the East have to travel to either Swindon, Salisbury or Bath. We shouldn’t have to travel 25 miles in an emergency for life saving treatment, or for cancer treatment or to see other specialists for long term healthcare.
Bath in particular is now very difficult to get to quickly and cost effectively due to the transport policies of the Council there. All three hospitals have terrible backlogs for appointments and operate way beyond demand levels that they were designed for.
I will campaign that we should have our own hospital in the constituency, with increased capacity for General Practitioners and dentists operating alongside it.
3. Support our farmers
This remains very much a rural constituency with very many people employed directly or indirectly in agribusiness and food production. Our farmers are under terrible pressure with supermarkets forcing prices down to maximise their profits and buying food in from other countries where farmers are more heavily subsidised. As a result many farmers are going out of business or giving up fields for subsidised solar farms or housebuilding. We cannot be reliant on importing our food from other countries. We must ensure that we grow our own food. We must support our farmers.
“Rural people deserve equal law enforcement and I am committed to campaigning for more visibility and better service from the Police throughout the constituency”
4. Prioritise the needs of local people
All across the country migrants are being prioritised for housing and healthcare, even if they have travelled here illegally. This must stop. I want to make sure that local people have priority for housing and healthcare, especially homeless ex service men and women and I will fight to make this happen.
5. Combat rural crime
Police numbers have been greatly reduced and what officers we have are hampered by endless bureaucracy. As a result the majority of their focus is on urban centres, where the majority of crime takes place and it increasingly feels as if rural areas are overlooked and forgotten. Criminals are aware of this and can see rural areas as soft targets. Rural people deserve equal law enforcement and I am committed to campaigning for more visibility and better service from the Police throughout the constituency, not just in urban and suburban areas.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Kabeer Kher is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Mid Norfolk. We spoke with Kabeer about his decision to stand.
“I was born in Northern Ireland where I grew up above the family pub. I went to University in Glasgow to study international business”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Kabeer Kher. I was born in Northern Ireland where I grew up above the family pub. I went to University in Glasgow to study international business. After graduating I worked for BT, ran a business for several years, followed by a career in financial services. I settled in Norfolk in 2015 where I live with my wife and 2 children.
“I decided to join Reform UK when our genius Prime Minister decided to ban UK Shale Gas in the middle of the worst energy crisis since 1973”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I decided to join Reform UK when our genius Prime Minister decided to ban UK Shale Gas in the middle of the worst energy crisis since 1973. I realised in that moment that the Conservative Party has absolutely no idea how to look after the interests of the people in this country. When I read the policies for Reform UK, I felt like I had found my people and that it was time for me to step forward and do something to change this country.
You’re the Spokesman for Mid Norfolk what’s made you decide to represent this area?
Mid-Norfolk is where I have lived for the last 9 years. My wife’s family are from here and my parents and siblings have since moved here with their family.
“The most pressing concern for Mid-Norfolk is flooding…. The government’s decision to stop dredging rivers is exacerbating the issue”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
The most pressing concern for Mid-Norfolk is flooding. My parents have been directly affected by the flooding in Attleborough in 2023 as a result of house building on flood plains. The government’s decision to stop dredging rivers is exacerbating the issue. I would like to see a ban on building houses on flood plains, and a part nationalisation of the water companies to end the profiteering at the expense of local people. I would also like to see much more investment in nuclear energy so we achieve energy self-sufficiency instead of wasting billions on wind farms and solar farms which only work intermittently and do not last anywhere near as long as nuclear power plants.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Roger Clark is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Harrow East. We spoke with Roger about his decision to stand.
“My overarching feeling is that our politicians and most institutions of the state no longer represent us, are no longer fit for purpose”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Professionally I am an internal auditor. I have travelled a great deal. I find the world a fascinating place. I’ve been increasingly unhappy over many years that the UK has been declining on multiple levels. My overarching feeling is that our politicians and most institutions of the state no longer represent us, are no longer fit for purpose, are no longer good for us, indeed are betraying us by causing our decline.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
The world suffers excess population growth greatly increasing likelihood of conflict, poverty, energy and food insecurity, and famine. All are now beginning to occur in Britain. Many millions of people want to come to the UK. The UK needs to stabilise its population at 64 million (already excessive) by protecting its borders and reduce net entry to zero. It is failing to do this, on the contrary the UK government granted 1.2 million visas last year. The Tory government needs to be dismissed.
“The major parties won’t reform very much, and they don’t know how to do it and they lack the courage to do it”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
There is rapidly growing pressure on all resources: schools, NHS, dentists, GP’s, housing, roads, open green space, policing (because of increasing crime), to name a few. These pressures are mainly caused by excess population growth. Britain needs major reforms urgently. The major parties won’t reform very much, and they don’t know how to do it and they lack the courage to do it. The national issue I hope to champion personally is quite different – reform of the House of Lords which is a dysfunctional, overblown, costly, and ineffective outdated entity.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Beverley England is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for South Suffolk. We spoke with Beverley about her decision to stand.
“I am a Brexiteer and like many, am furious that it has been ‘done’ in name only . . . what a waste of an 80 seat majority”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I moved to South Suffolk last year and I think it is important to live in the area you are to represent. I enjoy the countryside, walking every day with my dog and the move gave me an opportunity to refurbish a neglected barn. My business, in commercial and high spec residential interior design, has been running now for over 30 years and clients have included the Houses of Parliament . . . remember that wallpaper at £200 per roll? – now there’s a story I can tell you!
My political interest increased over Brexit. I am a Brexiteer and like many, am furious that it has been ‘done’ in name only . . . what a waste of an 80 seat majority.
“The most worrying thing about the 2 main parties/uni party is that they will both implement Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and Reform UK are against this. It is critical that everyone opposes this – once introduced, it is the end of our freedom”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
Reform UK have all the policies which are common sense and which I believe in – conservatism with a small ‘c’ as Ben Habib says. We desperately need an honest and transparent political party to represent the people and not greedy corporates with more of their ‘public/private partnerships’ – translated: fleece the taxpayer more and then more again. The most worrying thing about the 2 main parties/uni party is that they will both implement Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and Reform UK are against this. It is critical that everyone opposes this – once introduced, it is the end of our freedom. A state-controlled money token, which can also be time limited so the people on benefits can never have savings and it is my suspicion that Universal basic income (UBI) will be the first thing paid via CBDC. Already in the EU, it is illegal to spend in cash more than E1,000 – according to Christine Lagarde you are then ‘in the grey zone’ and you will be fined or jailed . . . this is all the social credit score system like in China – communism via the back door.
“Sudbury council literally experimenting with people’s livelihoods by running a 2 month ‘experiment’ (their word) in the centre of Sudbury to create an outside cafe culture, taking away parking”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
A big concern for South Suffolk is the proposed pylon infrastructure across the county – 92% of the power is required for London and the South East, so it should be run off shore NOT across swathes of countryside. Of course, this is all part of the ‘climate change’ and Agenda 2030 nonsense, which Reform UK are opposed to – we want an open debate on climate change as there are no peer reviewed papers proving that humans are causing an increase in CO2 emissions and in any case it is a greening gas not a pollutant . . . everyone has forgotten that we learnt about photosynthesis at school – I am old enough to remember but possibly it is not taught now as it does not fit the agenda.
There are other more regional concerns, such as Sudbury council literally experimenting with people’s livelihoods by running a 2 month ‘experiment’ (their word) in the centre of Sudbury to create an outside cafe culture, taking away parking and pedestrianising most of Market Hill. This will directly impact the footfall for existing established business with escalating costs amidst a recession . . . all to sell a few cups of tea in the sunshine . . . should we ever see it. Commercial incompetence at its height – I wonder how many councillors have run their own business?
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Help is needed! We have a team of 22 now for leaflet distribution but we need a lot more. I can be contacted via email: [email protected], and can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Sponsorship for printing costs would be great – this is now adding up to quite a substantial sum, so if there are a couple of businesses out there who like our policies, please do donate to printing costs.
Timothy Blaxill is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Witham in Essex. We spoke with Timothy about his decision to stand.
“I believe the masses are waking up to the lack lustre leaders, who seem to be more focused on their own gains, rather than putting the nation at the heart of their decisions”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m a family man, local to the area and an active part of the local community. This is my 1st General Election, after standing for local elections on behalf of Reform.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK
I stand for common sense: Reform UK is our only serious contender, which can make Britain great again.
My strap line message is “if it doesn’t make sense, it needs reform”. – I feel this message can be applied to all areas of politics from both local to national and even international perspectives.
I believe in working for the masses and I believe the masses are waking up to the lack lustre leaders, who seem to be more focused on their own gains, rather than putting the nation at the heart of their decisions.
Reform has policies which make sense, use simple language and simply just speak common sense.
“I want the local community to actively engage in politics for a better outcome for all. We need people voting with their feet (and a few to help spread the message!)”
You’re the Spokesman for Witham what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I live and work in Witham and am raising my family here.
I firmly believe it’s vitally important to have a principled and moral individual who is known and respected in the local area in representation of Witham. I want the local community to actively engage in politics for a better outcome for all. We need people voting with their feet (and a few to help spread the message!)
It’s time the Government remembered they work for you first as a voter before the Business Sector.
“Why didn’t the police attend when I reported a burglary? Why is it cheaper to fly to Italy, eat a pizza and drink a nice cool beer, than it is to get a return ticket into London on the train?”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
I’m here to champion whatever issues my constituents feel are important. From the small issues to the larger ones – they all need to be reformed.
For example –
when did you last get a chance to see your GP face-to-face?
Last time you saw a policeman on the beat?
Along with issues our local community have felt -such as;
Why didn’t the police attend when I reported a burglary?
Why is it cheaper to fly to Italy, eat a pizza and drink a nice cool beer, than it is to get a return ticket into London on the train?
Where does my road tax go? When all I see around the county are potholes I could swim in.
Why is the price of everything skyrocketing?
Why is V.A.T added to purchases that are of a necessity such as sanitary products? And necessary commodities such as fuel and utilities?
The whole system is skewed toward the elitist few. However, there are only a few elites and there are millions of people just like you and me. If we can unite as one voice, we can not only win but prosper.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
I can be contacted via email at [email protected], and found on Facebook, and Twitter / X. You can find all my details on the Reform website. There you will find the details for my Perspective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC). You will note, unlike other potential MPs, my full contact details including my mobile number are available publicly. I’m not sure most MPs could say the same…
Politics is about the greater good for all, I desperately need help in spreading the word and gaining traction to turn into votes. We need people to spread the word and vote with their feet. No change will come if we don’t vote for change. A vote for Reform would not be a wasted vote, that’s simple propaganda peddled by the worried red and blue.
Raj Forhad is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Ilford South. We spoke with Raj about his decision to stand.
“I spent all of my money to complete my MSc at the University of Central Lancashire. When I left Preston, Lancashire with a £1 Mega bus ticket ride in 2011, I only had £5 in my pocket”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
From a very early age, I have always had the great dream and vision to work for the people and to be their voice wherever I live.
I have been married to Shahana for over 12 years and we have two children – Zayan and Arash.
As a highly skilled legal migrant, I had gone through a tough, roller coaster journey. I have been respecting the laws and contributing high taxes in the UK.
I spent all of my money to complete my MSc at the University of Central Lancashire. When I left Preston, Lancashire with a £1 Mega bus ticket ride in 2011, I only had £5 in my pocket.
I always have great dedication and an innovative mindset to do something better for my life and the community. I have been been endorsed as an Exceptional Talent by Tech Nation, UK (https://technation.io/ ) because of my significant contribution to the UK Digital Sector, after competing thousands high profiles with many years of working experiences in IT including many PhD holders from the top universities around the world in UK’s Exceptional Talent competition, probably I am the first and last Bangladeshi Exceptional Talent, and through Tier 1 Exceptional Talent and High Skilled migrant routes I became a British citizen.
Now, I have been working as an Enterprise Architect Consultant for Tier 1 banks in the UK. I also run a few small businesses.
I have been in politics from the age of nine in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and campaigned, joined marches and road shows for theBangladesh Nationalist Party.
I stood as a Councillor Candidate at Chadwell ward, Redbridge from the Conservatives party in May, 2022 local election.
“Current politics by Conservatives, Labour, LibDem are not fit for the people and the country. They have run out of ideas”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
The Britain I used to know has broken – broken in many sectors by both Conservatives and Labour parties.
Current politics by Conservatives, Labour, LibDem are not fit for the people and the country. They have run out of ideas, lack the determination to get the UK back on track and work for the working class people.
The immense challenges are ahead and except Reform UK, no other party has any Common Sense solutions to “Make Britain Great Again”!
I want to reshape and reform the UK, and get it back on track.
Rishi Sunak and all other Conservative PMs for the last 13 years have shown poor leadership. Recently, they have failed to work on the mandate given by the general people in 2019 and in previous general elections. Their policies and laws have brought devastating impacts on hard working people, businesses.
You’re the Spokesman for Ilford South what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I am standing as an Prospective Parliamentary Candidate at Ilford South Constituency in Redbridge with Reform UK on behalf of the residents because like many of you I am frustrated, worried, tremendously concern about the current situations in Ilford South, Redbridge as:
inflation is super high,
mortgage rates are hitting the hard working people,
ULEZ introduction is hitting many of you,
crimes are in high rates,
residents safety is at critical conditions,
women going out on roads day or night – do not feel safe any more,
anti-social behaviours are in rocket-high,
small businesses are suffering,
people are struggling with GP and hospital appointments,
green spaces in Ilford South, Redbridge are vanishing month by month,
parents are not getting proper support and education for their children,
roads are dirty, full of potholes,
young generations are not getting the right jobs nor getting paid enough with their gained degrees or experiences,
and many other local issues
“Being a working class person and working on various community issues for many years, I understand people and their issues, and challenges”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
I strongly believe Ilford South constituency residents deserve a modern, beautiful and lawful constituency under a strong, visionary MP’s leadership. I will work day and night to solve your issues if I am elected by your valuable mandates at the next General Election.
My main pledges are to
Scrap ULEZ, ditch LTNs and 20mph zones
Cut crimes on knife, anti-social behavior, women’s safety and others
Invest more to build affordable housing
Invest more to support local businesses
Invest more and provide better public services applying modern technology (AI) driven solutions to have efficient policing, NHS GP and hospital appointments and other services
Invest more to support the most vulnerable residents in Redbridge
Bring policies and strategies to provide more jobs with higher salary for the young generations and their hard working families
Invest and build world class university in Redbridge
Invest and build more grammar schools for both boys and girls
Upgrade schools from Good to Outstanding
Invest more to protect green spaces
Invest to provide free mobile gyms for young generation and financially insolvent residents
Invest to provide free mobile learning hubs for the residents
Being a working class person and working on various community issues for many years, I understand people and their issues, and challenges. I will ensure Ilford South residents’ voices are being heard at Westminster.
I will be working day and night with your issues. You will always get an appropriate answer on your issues over email or call within an hour.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Jane Duckworth is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Milton Keynes North. We spoke with Jane about her decision to stand.
“I have local knowledge of businesses and the community gives me confidence that I’m a good candidate for the area”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Jane Duckworth 56 years of age have 2 daughters 1 grandson. I have lived in Milton Keynes most of my life as a Dairy Farmer’s wife & Business Owner.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
The opportunity arose for me to stand in Milton Keynes north as I have lived and farmed there for many years. I have local knowledge of businesses and the community gives me confidence that I’m a good candidate for the area.
“most of the decisions made by government have impacted on my businesses. This has given me an insight into political decision making – or lack of it”
You’re the Spokesman for Milton Keynes Northwhat’s made you decide to represent this area?
I have always had an interest in politics as most of the decisions made by government have impacted on my businesses. This has given me an insight into political decision making – or lack of it – which I’ve become more and more concerned about the elderly in the communities since working for a local care company. It saddens me to see the way they are being treated with utter contempt by our serving politicians, along with the general withdrawal of our local services all for every increasing taxes.
“Bus routes taken out of service, tv licences stopped. We are creating an isolated and lonely existence for our aging population”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Due to lack of local funding services such as the The Warm space or The Coffee meets for our elderly have been closing. Bus routes taken out of service, tv licences stopped. We are creating an isolated and lonely existence for our aging population. Homeless in Milton Keynes is getting worse our charities are at breaking point. Food banks have become a necessity for families to survive. How is this permitted to happen in the 21 Century. A slow erosion of our services!
We must change this.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
I am greatly appreciative of any help and should anyone wish to be involved I can be contacted either by email or through Facebook links below:-
We interviewed Dave Holland when he stood for Reform UK in the recent Mid Bedfordshire by-election. We spoke with Dave as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the general election.
“From the moment that Nadine Dorries first resigned (without technically resigning) we hit the ground and in total campaigned daily for 4 and a 1/2 months!”
You stood in the 2023 Byelection in Mid Bedfordshire what surprised you most about standing and what did you learn from it?
The Mid Bedfordshire by-election was unusual because campaigning went on for so long. From the moment that Nadine Dorries first resigned (without technically resigning) we hit the ground and in total campaigned daily for 4 and a 1/2 months! By the time the election was actually called we were all running on empty and talking to the other candidates they were similarly exhausted. It was a trial of endurance.
As a Party much has changed for Reform UK in the 4 months since Mid Bedfordshire. Our two party system makes it incredibly hard for new entrants to break through but we believed from the 40,000 doors we knocked that we had more support than we ended up actually achieving. The last week of the campaign saw our competitors move up through the gears and we struggled to be able to compete with them. They spent the last week phoning their voters to garner their support and this ate into our base.
We don’t have the data to be able to compete, nor the manpower and resources. We are growing rapidly and building data as we go.
I discovered that in many instances on the doorstep, people will tell you how they feel and indicate that they will vote for you, but that that doesn’t always materialise at the ballot box.
We also struggled for column inches in the main stream press. In time we will overcome this handicap, but it is a significant deficit for us.
“I am standing because when the Tories left me I had no one to vote for. Someone has to stand up for another way, a better way”
For those that don’t know you, can you introduce yourself and Reform UK as a party.
Reform UK are a broadly Centre Right Party, with small c conservative policies and beliefs, wrapped up in compassion for the lowest paid in society. We don’t really relate to the old left / right political definitions of parties. We are more the party of common sense, drawing from both sides of the spectrum with policies that will improve the standard of living for everyone. We believe in low tax, fiscal responsibility, secure borders and a strong military.
I never intended to be a politician. I am standing because when the Tories left me I had no one to vote for. Someone has to stand up for another way, a better way. So I threw my hat in the ring and here I am. Standing up for ordinary, hard working people who have been at the back of the queue in the UK for too long.
“Mid Bedfordshire has seen more than its share of new housing in the last decade, but without any infrastructure services to support all those new residents”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Mid Bedfordshire is geographically quite large, but rural. We have two towns and many villages and hamlets. We no longer have a single bank branch in Mid Bedfordshire. The constituency is also struggling with a lack of GPs and dentists. Our roads are a disgrace with pot holes everywhere. Bedford and Luton dominate our police resources so we very rarely see any police except for driving up and down the A6 between the two.
Mid Bedfordshire has seen more than its share of new housing in the last decade, but without any infrastructure services to support all those new residents. This results in the standard of living dropping for existing residents as they struggle for school places, operations, GP appointments, dental appointments etc.
People in Mid Bedfordshire feel helpless, that their living standards have dropped and no one seems to care.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign? (if available please include Facebook, Twitter, email etc)
