Lee Martin Taylor is the candidate for the Richmond and Northallerton constituency representing Reform UK. Lee Martin Taylor describes himself as an ordinary person, a former patriot soldier who proudly served under the British flag.
He emphasizes the importance of leadership driven by passion and the need to ensure that people's voices are heard, a principle he believes is embodied by Reform UK.
Taylor served for 22 years in the British Army as a Radar Technician in The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. During his military career, he remained politically neutral, hoping that elected officials would lead the country effectively.
However, he expresses disappointment in their performance, labeling it a national disgrace.
Taylor retired from the military on 31st January 2024, becoming a veteran with a newfound voice. He sees his candidacy for Reform UK in the general election as a privilege and an honor, aiming to represent the people of Richmond and Northallerton.
Born and raised in Yorkshire, Taylor has lived and traveled extensively across the UK and abroad. His military service includes a tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan.
He has also represented the Army in a tri-service judo competition aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth during the Queen's 75th Jubilee celebration. In 2017, Taylor and his wife settled in North Yorkshire, purchasing a home in Catterick Garrison.
He is dedicated to preserving the area's beauty and safety for future generations.
Taylor pledges to serve and lead the local community, advocating for fairness, common sense, and free speech. He opposes the influence of big donors and decisions driven by self-interest.
He calls for a bold and innovative approach to politics, challenging the status quo. Taylor urges voters who share his dissatisfaction with the current parliamentary establishment to support Reform UK, promoting real change.
He asks the constituents of Richmond and Northallerton to send him as their representative.
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.