Richard Barker, Reform UK candidate for Woking

Richard Barker is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Woking.  We spoke with Richard about his decision to stand.

“While it is understood that a pandemic would challenge any government, many of the draconian measures deployed to achieve compliance, particularly the shutting-down of opposing views, were totally unacceptable”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

Born and schooled in Hastings, on the south coast of England, an interest in science and a passion for the natural world at an early age led me to study geology at university. This was followed by an enjoyable career of more than 30 years as a geoscientist in the global oil and gas industry, with significant focus on optimising production for the UK.

I moved to the outskirts of Chobham village in 2007, just to the north of Woking, where I live happily with my wife, son, two spirited chihuahuas and a garden full of nature that consumes far too much of my time to maintain!

“Reform UK will thus protect what are often cited as the ‘Four Pillars of Civilisation’: Cheap Energy, Meritocracy, Law and Order, and Freedom of Speech.
All pillars are currently under attack!”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

Passionate about my country and wanting to see it thrive, I will never forget the sense of relief and hope I felt as the Tories were swept to power on election night in December 2019. Yet this only made the subsequent betrayal by the Tories, on so many levels, even harder to bear.

While it is understood that a pandemic would challenge any government, many of the draconian measures deployed to achieve compliance, particularly the shutting-down of opposing views, were totally unacceptable. Such groupthink that pervaded Westminster was (and is) only paralleled by the eco-zealotry with which climate change fanaticism took root; championed by the Tories, ‘Net Zero’ policies now unleash havoc across British industry, the economy and the public, with the consequent shocking rise in energy bills and taxes to subsidise unreliable, intermittent energy sources. The same ‘Net Zero’ under which imports to the UK receive an emissions ‘free-pass’ under the Climate Change Act! This will impoverish the British people and we need to change direction fast.

The established parties have morphed into a single mindset. Uncontrolled mass immigration, high taxation, low growth with big state/state interference are now endorsed across the political spectrum. A total failure by the Tories to address the ‘woke’ agenda taking root across society, eroding freedom of speech, promoting anti-white racism, re-writing our history and threatening our culture, can only be interpreted as endorsement of its objectives. Furthermore, the total failure to implement Brexit simply raises suspicions as to the Tories’ belief in our country’s future as an independent sovereign nation.

Reform UK stands almost alone in promoting those values which made Britain a prosperous nation: Freedom (of speech, from tyranny or coercion), the Enterprise Economy (supporting entrepreneurs and businesses), Excellence in Public Services (education, health, police etc.) and Sovereignty (of the people legitimately transferred to parliament, Brexit, free trade). Reform UK will thus protect what are often cited as the ‘Four Pillars of Civilisation’: Cheap Energy, Meritocracy, Law and Order, and Freedom of Speech.

All pillars are currently under attack!

“ULEZ expansion is also a concern for many, with potential additional transport costs for private individuals and businesses alike. Reform would scrap ULEZ altogether.”

You’re the Spokesman for Woking. What’s made you decide to represent this area?

Woking is the main town and business centre close to where I have lived, on the outskirts of Chobham, for the past 17 years. I wanted to represent a constituency near home that had both its own strong business community, where I believe I could have a positive impact, but was also a significant London commuter hub, likely presenting both domestic and international commerce perspectives.

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

Many of Woking’s issues are caused by a failure of central government policy cascading down, causing local problems. For example, a report in the Woking News & Mail in January 2023 highlighted that of around 18,000 people living in poverty in the constituency, about 11% had a cardiovascular or respiratory condition. This is a concern because, as stated by the Office for National Statistics, people in poverty are more exposed to the cold, and so more likely to be hospitalised or die as a result of such conditions. The high cost of energy is literally putting lives at risk and needs addressing urgently.

ULEZ expansion is also a concern for many, with potential additional transport costs for private individuals and businesses alike. Reform would scrap ULEZ altogether.

“Perhaps of greatest concern was the effective declaration of Woking Borough Council’s bankruptcy in June 2023 which now threatens services and facilities within the borough, such as the much enjoyed ‘Pool in the Park’ recreational centre”

Another ‘Net Zero’ drive, the UK Energy Bill 2023 passed with little opposition and yet grants enforcement rights to enter private properties to ensure home owners meet energy performance regulations. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to £15,000, or 12-months imprisonment. This is state over-reach to a level not before witnessed in Britain with such legislation heaping additional costs onto private individuals against the threat of a custodial sentence.

Local businesses I have spoken to comment on increased amounts of bureaucracy, particularly in regards to accounts reporting to HMRC. This is wasted time and effort, that could be better spent growing their business.

Perhaps of greatest concern was the effective declaration of Woking Borough Council’s bankruptcy in June 2023 which now threatens services and facilities within the borough, such as the much enjoyed ‘Pool in the Park’ recreational centre. Government commissioners’ investigation into the (then Tory) council yielded serious concerns as to the ‘exceptional level of financial and commercial risk’ and ‘its approach to strategic financial decision-making’. My initial review of the causes of failure suggest the whole governance structure of local government needs reforming, to ensure decision-making at an appropriate level of competence, effective processes with appropriate checks and balances, peer review, and oversight.

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

If you are also disillusioned with the established parties and support a significant shift in politics, then join the Reform Party, volunteer and help us campaign.

I can be contacted on email: [email protected]

You can also follow me on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ReformUKWoking and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReformUKWoking/

Paul Skinner, Reform UK candidate for Tonbridge

Paul Skinner is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Tonbridge.  We spoke with Paul about his decision to stand.

“After leaving the British Army I became a police officer in the Met where I learned a great deal about helping the community and serving the British public”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Paul-Shane Skinner I have lived in Kent all my life, my parents were working class citizens and worked locally in the area. I have lived in Tonbridge now for 6 years and always admired the people and community. Me and my partner still live with my mother in a council house and are expecting our first baby. 

I left school at 15 and pursued a career in the British Army as A Tank crewman, with a family background in the Armed Forces and my late grandad being in the Royal Marines during the Falklands war, I wanted nothing more than to make him proud. After leaving the British Army I became a police officer in the Met where I learned a great deal about helping the community and serving the British public, I sadly left for family reasons and headed for the private security sector where I was helping different types of people while doing this, I served in my local parish council as a Councillor for Staplehurst. 

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

The reason for standing for the Reform party is I agree with all its polices, now we have always been a working-class family and have always been a Labour supporter but in recent times neither them or the Conservatives are fit to run government, they have put us in debt, run the country and infrastructure down, not supporting out farmers after leaving the EU and I believe “if you want change you must vote for change” it’s the only way to reform our great United Kingdom again and make Britain GREAT.

My nan used to have a saying “the working man will always get shafted the most” meaning no matter how hard the working-class work they get so little back.

“People are sick of the Conservatives lying and partying and they can’t rely on Labour because they haven’t got a backbone or want to express the people’s voices, only their own. Which is why Reform is the only way”

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

I have always lived in Kent and always lived in the Maidstone area in little villages such as Headcorn etc. but since living under the Tonbridge area for the last 6 years I have come to love the place and the people within it, I believe that I can represent the people of Tonbridge and give them a voice and change to help everyone better than our current government. People are sick of the Conservatives lying and partying and they can’t rely on Labour because they haven’t got a backbone or want to express the people’s voices, only their own. Which is why Reform is the only way.

“I’m holding a local meet up on the Tuesday 13th February to speak with my current volunteers and people that support reform to listen to any current major issues in the area”

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

Now obviously any MP of any area won’t be able to presume to know every issue and the fact the job is a very demanding but rewarding, Any MP has a great privilege to help the people in the best way possible but in the Tonbridge area I’m 100% committed to helping everyone in the best way possible and identifying them issues that need fixing. I’m holding a local meet up on the Tuesday 13th February to speak with my current volunteers and people that support reform to listen to any current major issues in the area.

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/.  For people wanting to help me please follow me and contact me on X (twitter) @paulsskinner or email me at [email protected].

Lesley Crosby, Reform UK candidate for Bakewell

Former US Speaker Tip O’Neill is credited with the quote ‘All politics is local’.  Local elections matter and are all about the issue that impact peoples’ everyday lives.  Lesley Crosby is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Bakewell in a by-election for the Derbyshire Dales District Council.  We spoke with Lesley about her decision to stand.

“I intent to highlight all the disproportionate disadvantages Bakewell’s residents are expected to accept due to our location and a lack of the healthy competition our urban neighbours enjoy”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m a 59-year-old mum and grandmother. I am also a relative newcomer to the area, but I see this as a positive as I can view Bakewell through fresh eyes.

I am disabled, so naturally concerns about the wellbeing of our communities’ vulnerable residents are firmly in my sights. I intent to highlight all the disproportionate disadvantages Bakewell’s residents are expected to accept due to our location and a lack of the healthy competition our urban neighbours enjoy. There is not one member of our community that isn’t a loser to premium fuel costs and high prices in our shops. I will ensure that our families, the disabled and elderly will not feel hunger, cold or experience isolation.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I believe we need Reform, we need new solutions to old problems and we need a voice that isn’t held back by council chamber domination and party whips.

“We can make sure, for a start, that debris blocking local drains and culverts is regularly removed. I will be suggesting an autumn programme of regular road clearance”

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

Flooding is a big issue for our community, and alongside a crumbling road network, causes regular misery in town. While Bakewell is built right on the river Wye and we cannot completely resolve the cause of flooding, we can be far better prepared for inevitable rainfall when it comes. We can make sure, for a start, that debris blocking local drains and culverts is regularly removed. I will be suggesting an autumn programme of regular road clearance. We can also look at how reaches of the river Wye above and below the town are managed and consult with landowners and local authorities to ensure that fallen trees and other debris are cleared away to assist easy flow. Although this is little more than good housekeeping, it’s clearly not happening or not happening often enough.

“I’m also deeply worried by the banking crisis that has brought Bakewell to the attention of the entire country, due to the imminent closure of our NatWest, their last bank in the Peak District”

I’m also deeply worried by the banking crisis that has brought Bakewell to the attention of the entire country, due to the imminent closure of our NatWest, their last bank in the Peak District. This should have been an issue for our MP to get seriously involved with at the earliest intimation of closure, and I cannot help wondering why things have been allowed to progress without either her deliberate intervention or sourcing an alternative provider of vital banking services.

I’m eager to keep the heat on rural issues and get Bakewell into the limelight. Bakewell is a national icon, an important agricultural, cultural and tourist hub, and we must not allow ourselves to be forgotten.

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

You can find out more about Reform at https://www.reformparty.uk/.  You can find me on Facebook, and contact me by email at [email protected].

Mayuran Senthilnathan, Reform UK candidate for Runnymede and Weybridge

Mayuran Senthilnathan is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Runnymede and Weybridge.  We spoke with Mayuran about his decision to stand.

“Above all I am passionate patriot who wishes to serve this country and the people of Runnymede and Weybridge”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Mayuran Senthilnathan, and I have lived in Virginia Water for the past 12 years. I am a 41-year-old family man whose primary vocation is as a general dentist and clinical practice owner. As well as having a keen interest in news and current affairs, I have a keen interest in philosophy and comparative religion. I have travelled extensively giving lectures on these topics and have authored two books. Above all I am passionate patriot who wishes to serve this country and the people of Runnymede and Weybridge.

“The Conservative government have failed us. They have no vision, no soul and no conviction. We can no longer vote for them as the least worst option”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I believe Britain is on a cliff edge in so many ways. Unless we are able to get back to the fundamental principles of centre right politics, we could fast be exiting the developed world. At so many levels the country appears to be broken from NHS waiting lists, to housing shortages, to net zero extremism, woke ideology and unbridled immigration; this country appears to have lost its way. The Conservative government have failed us. They have no vision, no soul and no conviction. We can no longer vote for them as the least worst option, the public and the people of Runnymede and Weybridge need to have the opportunity to cast their vote for policies they actually believe in. 

Reform UK is the only party offering a radically different manifesto which in the current climate appears revolutionary, but in actual fact is just common sense. We offer practical policies that the vast majority of this country would immediately subscribe to. The six point plan to stop illegal migration, an end to the net zero madness that is suffocating our economy, an introduction of a net zero immigration policy where we can stop the huge increase in our population, deregulation, raising tax thresholds to free up income for the lowest paid, an end to diversity quotas and other woke ideological impositions; are just some of the obvious implementations the country is yearning for. 

“if I can shine a light on what this area and indeed the country desperately needs then together, we can make real progress”

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

Fundamentally it is where I have lived since 2011. My children go to school in this constituency, I know it well and it is where I wish to plant my flag. If I can win hearts and minds here, if I can shine a light on what this area and indeed the country desperately needs then together, we can make real progress.

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

For those who would like to help me and the Reform Party spread the word they can email me at [email protected].

Mark Peart, Reform UK candidate for Blyth & Ashington

Mark Peart is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Blyth & Ashington.  Mark writes about why he is standing.

“We offer a viable alternative to the main parties, with a central aim of putting the country and the population on a stable and manageable programme of growth”

I am the spokesperson for Reform UK in the newly created constituency of Blyth and Ashington.

Reform UK is a fully fledged political party with strong leadership and an ambitious list of common sense policies. We offer a viable alternative to the main parties, with a central aim of putting the country and the population on a stable and manageable programme of growth.

As an independent country, we are faced with many challenges. Here are three which I believe are particularly concerning to the people of Blyth and Ashington.

“By raising the tax threshold from £12,500 to £20,000, this would take six million people on the lowest pay out of Income Tax altogether”

Cost of living. It is clear to us at Reform UK, that high taxes are particularly damaging to those trying to make ends meet on low incomes. By raising the tax threshold from £12,500 to £20,000, this would take six million people on the lowest pay out of Income Tax altogether. We believe this would be a compassionate and sensible move towards making work pay.

Public Services – NHS We currently have over seven million people sitting on NHS waiting lists, unable to speedily access necessary treatment. Reform UK has a practical and sensible plan to ease the strain on the NHS by delivering much needed medical care in a timely and compassionate manner. We believe it’s time to be ambitious and innovative. We would aim for zero waiting lists. By putting patients in control of their own treatment, waiting lists would be eradicated. . Of course, healthcare must always remain free at the point of delivery. However, if unable to get a GP appointment within three days, you would be given a voucher to see a private doctor. If no NHS consultant is available to see you within three weeks, you would receive a voucher to access private healthcare. If your operation is not available from the NHS within nine weeks from your initial assessment, once again, you would be given a voucher to go private.

“police walking the streets and engaging with communities, is a highly effective way to combat violence, robbery and petty vandalism”

Public Services – Crime There are high levels of crime and antisocial behaviour in Blyth and Ashington. Reform UK would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of illegal activity and vandalism. This would be achieved at the ground level, by introducing more police on the streets. Although fast response police in cars are important, a visual presence helps to prevent crime and leads to the detection and conviction of criminals. It has been proven that police walking the streets and engaging with communities, is a highly effective way to combat violence, robbery and petty vandalism, while generating a positive atmosphere in the community.

You can follow Mark on Twitter and find him on Facebook

There is more information on the Reform site at https://www.reformparty.uk/blyth-and-ashington-constituency and he can be contacted at [email protected].

Steve Chilcott, Reform UK candidate for Ealing, Southall

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, Reform UK candidate for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

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, Reform UK candidate for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton

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, Reform UK candidate for Havant

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?

Darren Selkus, Reform UK candidate for Hertsmere

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/.