By Erdington Local election news team
Reform UK has entered the Erdington by-election, picking local postman Jack Brookes as its candidate.
The former Brexit Party, which changed to Reform UK following the UK leaving the European Union in Jan 2021, is contesting the Erdington seat on a “secure borders” and “cheaper energy” platform.
Reform UK further stated: “Jack (Brookes) is deeply concerned about the current crises facing our country, especially the extreme rise in the cost of living and continuing illegal crossings in the Channel.
“He will be offering the voters of Erdington a real alternative.”
Following the announcement of his candidacy for Reform UK, Mr Brookes said: “I’m a local postman who works in Erdington. I was born in Birmingham, brought up locally in a single parent, mixed-race family.
“I went to Bishop Vesey’s Grammar school and from there went on to read Economics with Finance at Queen’s University Belfast, graduating in 2020.
He added: “Before becoming a postman, I was a labourer for a few months during the summer and I loved the graft. I look at a task and I ask myself, “What can I do to get this done?”.
“When not working I’m a member of my local Reserve Unit and spend my free time cycling, in the gym and playing sports.
“I believe in personal responsibility, and the ability of an individual to make a difference to their own, and others lives.”
Leaflets for Reform UK have already been handed out in Erdington which ask if residents have “had enough” of unlawful immigration and describes “the countless boats illegal migrants crossing the channel every day”.
The party’s hard stance on refugees would “take the boats back to France” and “refuse to grant asylum” to those who get to the UK via the channel.
Mr Brooks added: “For too long, the people of Erdington have been ignored.
“I am passionate about freedom, and I am deeply concerned about the crises facing our country and community, especially the extreme rise in the cost of living.
“That’s why I’m standing in this by-election.”
Erdington will vote for its next Member of Parliament on Thursday, 3 March. The deadline for political party and independent candidates announcing their intention to stand is 4pm on Tuesday, 8 February.
At the time of writing, the following candidates will be contesting the Erdington seat: Cllr Paulette Hamilton (Labour), Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative), Dave Nellist (Trade Union and Socialist Coalition), Michael Lutwyche (Independent), Jack Brookes (Reform UK), Siobhan Harper-Nunes (Green).
Great to be out campaigning yesterday in Erdington listening to residents concerns. I will be out knocking on doors every day until polling day. pic.twitter.com/F47y1grV71
— Jack Brookes (@Jack4Erdington) February 7, 2022
For more on Jack Brookes visit www.jackbrookes.uk
For more on Reform UK visit www.reformparty.uk