Mark Butcher, a passionate advocate for the underprivileged in Blackpool, stands as the Reform UK candidate for the Blackpool South Constituency by-election scheduled for May 2nd, 2024. Born and raised on the Fylde Coast with deep connections in the construction industry, Butcher has leveraged his 25 years of experience in PR, marketing, and business, along with his extensive network, to benefit the community through various charitable efforts.
Butcher is not only the founder of the Christian soup kitchen, Amazing Graze, but has also dedicated over a decade to raising funds for Variety, a charity for disabled children in Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre. His commitment extends to serving as the CEO of The Feathers Association, aimed at empowering children, young people, and communities.
Butcher's journey of service began with his involvement in rebuilding efforts following a local disaster, volunteering at Streetlife Night Shelter, and serving with Blackpool Street Pastors. His role as a registered foster parent and his establishment of Amazing Graze Soup Kitchen highlight his dedication to social welfare.
Butcher's contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has received local hero awards for his community service and was recognized as Blackpool's Man of the Year in 2018.
His initiatives, such as the United Blackpool Outreach Bus and Meals on Wheels for OAPs, demonstrate his innovative approach to addressing community needs.
Butcher's candidacy represents a call for genuine change, expressing disappointment in both the Conservative and Labour parties. His history of activism, coupled with his charitable endeavors, underscores his commitment to addressing the critical issues facing Blackpool's residents.
Butcher envisions a Blackpool where community service and support systems like Amazing Graze Soup Kitchen, The Big Red Night Bus, and The Free Food Store play pivotal roles in addressing homelessness, food insecurity, and social isolation. His campaign is a testament to his belief in community-driven change and the potential for a better future for Blackpool under Reform UK's banner.
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.