I served as a Conservative District Councillor for 14 years and as a Conservative County Councillor for 4 years. I was also a member of the Conservative Association for nearly 15 years.
In May 2023, I took a step back from Politics and, after much reflection and witnessing the current state of our country, I felt compelled to return, this time with a renewed vision and purpose.
During my time as a Conservative Councillor I grew increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the party. The infighting and policy failures emanating from Westminster made it clear that the Tories were abandoning their promises and our communities.
After speaking with residents it became apparent that I was not alone in my frustration. I believe that the two party politics is finished.
In May 2023 I lost my district seat to an Independent candidate who campaigned on local issues like Moulton Park, eighteen months later, there is still no progress on this particular issue, just endless consultations. Following that election, I handed in my Conservative Membership Card feeling that the party no longer represented the values I once stood for.
I have been out of local politics for eighteen months but I have kept busy, exploring new avenues and contributing to my community in other ways. I am now a published author and I proudly serve as the Public Relations and Recruitment Officer for the Royal Naval Association – Spalding Branch. These roles have kept me engaged and connected, but my passion for public service never truly left me.
The state of our national politics has only reinforced my belief that change is urgently needed. At the last General Election in May 2024 the Conservatives suffered significant losses, with our local MP holding onto his seat but losing 20,000 votes. The electorate disillusioned with Tory failures, turned to the Labour party – a choice that for many has proven equally disappointing.
Neither the Conservatives nor the Labour Party have got to grips with immigration. Legal immigration and illegal Immigration is totally out of control, and a lack of real leadership has underscored the inability of both Labour and the Conservatives to address the challenges facing our nation. The revolving door of tired, recycled politicians has left Britain yearning for real Statesmanship.
Believing there must be a better way I began exploring alternative political avenues. In doing so I discovered Reform UK. Their manifesto struck a chord with me, addressing the issues that matter, with practical forward thinking solutions. If you haven’t already I encourage you to read it for yourself. Here’s the link
In September 2024, I attended the Reform UK Party Conference at the NEC in Birmingham. I was amazed by the turnout – over 5,000 like minded individuals, many of them former Conservative voters like myself. Hearing Nigel Farage speak solidified my belief that Britain has a potential statesman in its midst. A leader with the vision and conviction needed to steer our country back on course.
Since joining Reform UK I’ve attended two vibrant local party meetings of the South Holland Branch, and I’m excited about the party’s future. I’ve put myself forward for the role of Vice Chairman of the South Holland Branch to be decided at our up and coming AGM. I’ve also thrown my hat in the ring to be a candidate for Reform UK for the County Council elections in May 2025.
The Conservatives have had 14 years to address the pressing issues facing our country. Fourteen years to make meaningful progress. Yet, despite their time in power, they failed on almost every front.
- Immigration: Record numbers, porous borders, and a lack of clear strategy to address the issue.
- The NHS: Waiting times for hospital treatments have never been worse, and the struggle to see a GP continues to frustrate millions.
- Environment: Our rivers remain polluted, and instead of holding water companies accountable, bills for the public keep rising.
- Public Safety: Streets feel less safe, and crime remains a significant concern.
Simply put, the Conservatives had their chance and failed to deliver.
Labour, on the other hand, has only been in power for seven months, but they’ve already managed to alienate key groups across the country.
- Pensioners: The cancellation of the Winter Fuel Allowance is a direct attack on those who’ve worked hard their entire lives.
- Farmers: Changes to Inheritance Tax are leaving a sour taste, undermining generations of farming families.
- Businesses: Labour’s broken tax promises have shaken confidence in their ability to foster a thriving business environment.
In just a few months, Labour has proven they are no better equipped to lead, showing a lack of vision, strategy, and respect for the people they are supposed to serve.
Britain deserves better. Our great country is crying out for real leadership, bold ideas, and a government that puts the people first. It’s time for change – real change.
Let’s stop settling for failure and start demanding a brighter future. Reform is possible, and it’s time to make it happen.
If you share my concerns and aspirations, I urge you to explore the Reform UK manifesto. If it resonates with you as it did with me, consider joining the party. Together we can work to make Britain great again – a country led by a true statesman who cares deeply about its people.
If I am chosen to stand in the County Council Elections in May 2025, I look forward to meeting many of you on the campaign trail. I’ll be knocking on doors, listening to your concerns and discussing how we can build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren, and generations to come.
Thank you for taking the time to read my reintroduction to politics. Let’s work together to create a better tomorrow for South Holland and our great nation.
Rodney Grocock