Paul Donaghy is a Reform UK candidate, emphasizing his commitment to serve the public's interest above traditional party lines, distinguishing himself from typical career politicians. Born and raised in High Heaton, Newcastle, with a rich regional background spanning from Heaton to Hexham and Sunderland to Creswell, Donaghy's roots are deeply entrenched in the North East, which he describes as being in his DNA.
Currently residing in Oxclose, Washington with his wife, a sister at Sunderland Royal Hospital, and their four children, Donaghy's life is a testament to his dedication to family and community. Personal Background.
Donaghy's professional journey began in the Royal Navy, where he served as a chef, traveling to every continent and developing a profound sense of pride and discipline that continues to influence him. Highlighting his deep connection to Newcastle, he recalls marching through the city with HMS Newcastle as a highlight of his life.
Following his service, Donaghy has worked internationally, including in Germany, France, and London, before settling into his current role as an Area Operations Manager for a hotel chain, where he oversees multiple locations, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance. Political Views and Campaign.
Having entered the political arena in 2019 initially with the Conservative Party, Donaghy shifted to Reform UK due to a perceived departure of the Conservatives from traditional British values which he holds dear, such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect. His decision to stand as a candidate is fueled by a desire to address the shortcomings of the current political system, which he sees as attracting power-seekers rather than community servants.
Donaghy's campaign is built on principles of transparency, accountability, and people-first politics. He advocates for a political landscape that prioritizes the needs and concerns of the community and seeks to inspire and unite communities through strong leadership and a focus on serving the public interest.
His commitment to these values is underscored by his affiliation with Reform UK, a party known for its stance against the whip system, allowing Donaghy the freedom to make decisions based on the best interests of the public rather than party or union directives. As a candidate, Donaghy proposes to shake up both the local and national political scenes by promoting quality in council and parliamentary representation, irrespective of political affiliation, as long as the focus remains on serving the community's best interest.
His personal and professional experiences, combined with his clear political vision, position him as a candidate dedicated to effecting positive change in Washington, the North East, and the UK at large.
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.