I served 23 years in the British Army, retiring in 2018 as a Regimental Sergeant Major. I spent a large part of my military career focused on improving soldiers' lives through training, career development, and facilities. After settling in Birmingham, I transitioned to Business Transformation and Change, leading large-scale improvement initiatives. It's in my DNA to identify and rectify areas of improvement. Living in Birmingham and witnessing daily injustices, coupled with my passion for positive change, drew me to Reform UK.

At the 2024 convention, Nigel Farage spoke to me about Birmingham's dire situation, particularly in Ladywood. He highlighted the erosion of democracy and the neglect of constituents by their representatives. He stated that the great people of Birmingham deserve better. I could not argue with him. Nigel believed that turning things around would require guts, determination, and the ability to unite people, qualities he saw in a 'Military Man.' He asked if I would help him establish a branch in Ladywood to support the community in making positive change. I said I would think about it.

Reflecting on what Nigel had said and the challenges in Ladywood, high crime, high homelessness, high taxes, low opportunity, low optimism, low prospects for every generation. I questioned how Birmingham, Great Britain's second city, had reached this state. Why are the people of Birmingham paying through the nose for failure stacking upon failure? What legacy are we allowing for the next generation, what future do they have? The next morning, during breakfast with Reform UK leadership, Zia Yusaf approached me, “So Steve, are you going to help us in Birmingham and establish a Reform Branch”, “Zia, I’ll do whatever it takes”.

'Having joined Reform UK ahead of the 2024 General Election, exasperated at both the Conservatives and Labour, my original intention was to simply support the Party’s efforts and to show support at the ballot box. I had been quietly contemplating the situation locally for some time; and when, upon checking my emails on a December Sunday evening, I saw Steve Kelly had proactively set up a local branch, I decided to contemplate quietly no longer and get involved. The focus, from the outset of the first meeting, was on serving the people of Ladywood and making a positive difference within the community. In that spirit, Steve, who had spent 23 years serving Queen and Country, was the natural choice for serving on the Council and was unanimously backed to be the local candidate. Leaving the first meeting with a sense of excitement and optimism, I was more than happy to help and support in whatever way I could.

Strengthening Our Communities by honouring our ex Military and Blue Light services. 

Were dedicated to helping veterans of all our armed and emergency services, offering help with housing and mental health services and filling in forms and local bureaucracy while reintegrate & connecting them with community and youth projects. Together, we can honor their service while fostering growth, mentorship, and opportunity in Ladywood.

"YOU SERVED YOUR COUNTRY NOW LET YOUR COUNTRY SERVE YOU".

We believe in the power of youth to shape the future. By creating educational and recreational projects, were keeping young people busy with positive opportunities, giving them an alternative to crime and anti-social behavior.

Installing a sence of community, responsibility and awareness.