Gary Johnson is the Reform UK candidate for the Mid Sussex Constituency in the upcoming general election. Gary Johnson has resided in the Uckfield area of Mid Sussex for 30 years with his wife.
The couple raised two children who have since moved out, and they now have a granddaughter. Johnson's hobbies include a long-standing yet unsuccessful attempt at learning the guitar over the past fifty years, and he is the owner of three Scottish Terriers.
His education was entirely state-provided, and he admits that at the age of eighteen, he was unfamiliar with the concept of a university.
Professionally, Johnson boasts over three decades in Operations Management and Supply Chain. For thirteen years, he and his wife owned and operated a successful care business in Sussex, which has given him a robust background in small business operations and community service.
His political career includes a term as a Conservative District Councillor for Wealden from 2019 to 2023. Johnson has been actively involved in community service; he was an army reservist, served six years as an RNLI crew member on the Newhaven Lifeboat, and worked as a Special Constable based in Haywards Heath.
Increasing disillusionment with the existing major political parties prompted Johnson to join Reform UK. He criticizes the short-term focus of current political strategies and advocates for radical, courageous changes necessary for the country's progress.
He emphasizes the need for proportional representation and more cross-party cooperation to utilize all available talent in British politics.
Johnson stresses the importance of SMEs to the national economy and advocates for fiscal policies that reduce the tax burden on these businesses while incentivizing workforce participation over welfare dependency.
Drawing on personal experiences with the NHS, Johnson acknowledges its significant impact on his family's life but also recognizes its current inefficiencies. He supports an overhaul of the system before additional funding is considered, aligning with Reform UK's policy for health service reform.
With personal experience in law enforcement, Johnson proposes increasing the number of police officers, enhancing stop and search powers, and implementing zero tolerance policies to tackle rising local crime rates. He also supports restructuring administrative processes to maximize patrol time.
Johnson believes in strengthening the family unit through targeted fiscal measures, including tax incentives and modifications to child benefits to support families across the socioeconomic spectrum.
Reflecting on his tenure on local planning committees, Johnson critiques the ineffective housing policies that have led to a scarcity of affordable homes. He calls for a comprehensive review and reform of the planning system to address these issues effectively.
An advocate for strong national defense, Johnson supports increased defense spending and a continued prominent role in NATO, drawing on his background as an ex-reservist who acknowledges the need for better equipment for the armed forces.
Based on his experiences with the RNLI, Johnson proposes a strict approach to handling illegal immigration, including faster processing and deportation, to deter crossings and dismantle the operations of human smuggling networks. Johnson invites constituents to engage with him on these issues, expressing a readiness to listen and respond to their concerns.
He humorously notes that if his bid for election is unsuccessful, he plans to pursue personal interests in sailing and guitar lessons. This reflects his down-to-earth personality and commitment to staying connected with the community, regardless of the election outcome.
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.