Gary Ling is the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) for the Watford constituency, representing the Reform UK party. Gary Ling's political career began in Watford, where he served as Chairman of the Young Conservatives, Political Chairman, and Association Chairman of the Watford Conservative Association.
He has also been a Watford Borough councillor and has stood for the position of Watford Mayor. As a seasoned parliamentary candidate, Gary previously contested the Eccles constituency.
Between 2014 and 2016, he served as Head of Communications for a Member of the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg. In 2016, Gary played a significant role in leading the Watford Brexit campaign, which successfully advocated for the town's support of the Global Britain initiative.
In his professional life, Gary assists companies and organizations in monetizing their data and propositions. His educational background includes studies at Durrants School in Croxley Green, Greenwich High School in Connecticut, USA, the University of Aberdeen, The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and BAYES Business School in London, where he earned an MBA.
Reform UK presents itself as a political alternative to the traditional two-party system in Britain, criticizing both the Conservative and Labour parties for their perceived failures. The party positions itself as a champion of common sense, aiming to address the numerous crises it perceives in British society, from immigration and public spending to healthcare and energy policies.
Reform UK proposes a strict limit on non-essential immigration, arguing that it will alleviate pressure on housing, public services, and wages, and protect British culture and values. The party plans to implement a robust strategy to prevent illegal immigration, including detaining and deporting illegal migrants and ending health tourism and immediate access to benefits for new arrivals.
The economic strategy includes significant tax cuts aimed at boosting the income of the working class and incentivizing small businesses. Key measures include raising the income tax threshold, reducing corporation tax for small and medium-sized enterprises, and abolishing certain business taxes to encourage investment and economic growth.
Reform UK seeks to eliminate NHS waiting lists and proposes tax breaks for healthcare workers to address staff shortages. The party advocates for using private healthcare capacity to alleviate the burden on the NHS, suggesting a voucher system for patients facing long wait times.
A controversial aspect of their platform is the rejection of Net Zero carbon goals, which the party claims are economically damaging. Reform UK intends to revive the domestic oil and gas industries, reduce reliance on renewable energy subsidies, and explore new nuclear technology without the constraints of current environmental regulations.
The party pledges to increase police numbers, implement zero tolerance policies on crime, and expedite the deportation of foreign criminals. It also aims to reform the justice system by mandating life sentences for repeat violent offenders and enhancing the budget for criminal justice.
Reform UK calls for significant constitutional reforms, including leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, reforming the House of Lords, and introducing a proportional representation voting system. These changes are aimed at making Britain's political system more democratic and accountable.
Reform UK’s platform is built on a foundation of radical change across multiple sectors of government and society. The party seeks to dismantle what it views as failed policies and replace them with a framework that prioritizes British sovereignty, cultural identity, and economic independence.