I guess some people would like to know why at the age of 66 I decided to stand up and be counted.

Full statement

First a brief background

We have had a family business in Doncaster for over 25 years. We employ 10 people directly or indirectly, so I understand the frustrations derived from Brexit and the lack of action by our MP's to stand up for us.

I am lucky enough to have a multicultural family. Whilst my own children have grown up my grandchildren are still at school, so I also have a good insight into their education and thoughts.

With my extended family living in Germany, Italy and Egypt I also believe I understand the challenges that face us daily.

For the last 20 or more years MP's and past governments have treated us as if we are stupid, not understanding our real concerns or even listening, just paying lip service to us, whilst the infrastructure around us is falling apart.

I believe we as a country undersell ourselves as a region, we do the same and as a city we have truly failed to move forward and for too long our representatives have been too politically correct to represent the majority.

So why REFORM? Because it’s in the name.

The country is broken, in an ideal world we could rebuild it, however I live in the real one where I see daily, families struggling to survive, youngsters with no hope, old people put on a scrap heap.

So much needs to change! And we must start somewhere hence REFORM.

What can I do to change things?

I can promise to stand up and put you first.

Whilst I am realistic, I have no need to fit in or say things just because it’s the politically correct thing to do.

We have an opportunity to change things together even if it’s just a warning shot to the other parties. By sending me to Westminster I will accept my Responsibility to shout, protest and fight for Change you believe in need and want.