I'm tired of weak politicians making cowardly decisions that are steadily destroying British culture, values and our quality of life.

Full statement

Our nation is broken. I don't recognise it anymore. It's time for strong men and women to come forward with the courage to say enough is enough.

The dramas and chaos of the past 14 years under the Conservatives have left our nation fractured and exhausted, plagued by deep-seated issues ranging from lower living standards and a housing crisis, to an impossibly stretched healthcare system and sky-high crime rates. Labour's approach of division and identity politics will only further exacerbate social problems, neglecting the everyday struggles of working-class communities in pursuit of woke ideological agendas. Their infeasible plan to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030 will make us poorer, and their reckless spending will bankrupt us.

Both parties lack a viable solution to the security crisis at our borders and the catastrophe of uncontrolled immigration. Labour Home Secretary, John Reid, deemed the immigration system "not fit for purpose" as far back as 2006. Successive Labour and Conservative administrations have failed to address this institutional breakdown. I strongly believe in the adage that where there's a will there's a way. I am equally convinced that Reform UK is the only party with that genuine determination.

With a track record of standing up for what's right and getting results, I am the candidate who will fearlessly confront the establishment and work tirelessly to improve the lives of people in the City of Durham, and help make Britain great.

I have been married for 24 years and have lived in the North-East with my wife and son for the last 20 years. I am a Business Consultant to financial services firms and hold an MBA from Leeds University Business School at the University of Leeds. I also work as a volunteer for The Salvation Army, providing protection and support for victims of modern-day slavery in England.