I have lived in Bramshott near Liphook for 30 years and have both children and grandchildren living close by.

Full statement

I consider myself a ‘small c’ conservative, having spent a lifetime in business rather than politics. I started and managed businesses (including a local business that employed 30 people) and worked for major corporations both in the UK and abroad, so I understand about managing people and resources, and being prudent with finances.

I was driven to support Reform through desperation at the failure of recent governments – both the last Conservative and current Labour one. I believe in small government, low taxes and high growth. The Conservatives and Labour have delivered the opposite of these things.

So I was delighted to be asked to stand for Reform in the local elections. Listening to local concerns, the number 1 issue in the area is the continued threat of substantial new housing developments without the related investment in infrastructure. National housing targets imposed by central government have led to large housing developments being waived through by the local Conservative authorities despite their talk of protecting rural communities. People feel they have no say in what is happening.

In 2019, The Conservative-run Hampshire County Council declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ – who voted for that? Since then, they have spent and estimated £40m on ‘Net Zero’ initiatives. Their planning policies typically prioritise supposed ‘climate change mitigation over whether local people actually support the proposed development. At the same time, our roads are congested, full of potholes, flood regularly (witness the semi-permanent ‘great flood of Bramshott’) and are often strewn with litter (left to be addressed by heroic local litter-picking residents).

Reform would divert all funds associated with Net Zero to fixing potholes and proving actual infrastructure.

I want to see a greater sense of pride in our villages, with thriving small businesses, shops, cafes - and in particular pubs – that all add to the vibrancy of village life. All these businesses need the active support of their local authority. At the same time I would fight for zero tolerance of petty crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

A vote at this local election is an opportunity to show to both Keir Starmer and the Conservatives that we have had enough of their indifference or at worst – hostility – to our rural way of life. We need to have a say in our future.