Maxine Fothergill is the Reform UK candidate for the Old Bexley and Sidcup Constituency. With a deep-seated connection to the London Borough of Bexley that spans over 30 years and a family history in the area extending to 85 years, Fothergill's commitment to the constituency is both personal and insightful.
Her previous experience as a ward councillor from 2010 to 2018 has provided her with an intimate understanding of the community's challenges and aspirations.
Fothergill is staunchly opposed to the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and the proposed toll charges on the Blackwall Tunnel, highlighting these issues as central to her campaign. She promises that, if elected as Member of Parliament, she will conduct regular surgeries to directly engage with and address the concerns of her constituents, ensuring that their needs are effectively represented in Parliament.
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.