Tag: Reform UK

Posted on

OPINION: John Lambert, Chair of Reform UK Erdington Branch

(l-r) John Lambert – Chair of Reform UK’s Erdingotn Branch, and Reform UK local campaigners by Kingstanding Circle

Words by John Lambert

Dear residents of Castle Vale, Erdington, Gravelly Hill, Kingstanding, Oscott, Perry Common, Pype Hayes, and Stockland Green.

Let’s cut to the chase. On 9 February, we were with Nigel Farage at a rammed NEC rally. Say what you like about rallies, but the momentum is undeniable. Big-name defections like Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, polls showing Reform ahead nationwide, it’s game on for May’s local elections.

Reform are gearing up to fight every seat in Birmingham and deliver where Labour’s let you down.

You’ve spelt it out loud and clear to us. Potholes wrecking Slade Road, Chester Road, and Gravelly Lane. Fly-tipping blighting Witton Lakes, Stockland Green’s back streets and Castle Vale’s parks.

Bin collections have been in meltdown since that endless dispute kicked off in early 2025 and those overcrowded HMOs and exempt accommodation fuelling anti-social chaos in Oscott and Kingstanding.

Birmingham City Council crashed and burned in 2023 effectively bankrupt. Council tax? It’s UP over 17% in two years and now they’re asking for another 4.99% hike while spinning yarns about how they’re “not bankrupt” because the books balance. Erdington residents aren’t fools. If it’s all so balanced, then why are the basics still in tatters?

Reform’s plan is simple and straight. Slash the waste, patch those potholes pronto, hammer fly-tippers with zero-tolerance enforcement, sort the bins so they’re reliable again and crack down hard on dodgy landlords and unsafe HMOs.

We’ll demand proper community policing, protect our parks and enforce planning rules that put residents first so our streets feel safe, clean and cared for again.

For more from Reform UK Erdington Branch visit www.reformerdington.co.uk

Posted on

OPINION: John Lambert, Chair of Reform UK Erdington Branch

Chair of Reform UK Erdington Branch John Lambert (far left) with local campaigners at Kingstanding Circle / Photograph supplied by Reform UK Erdington Branch

(Ed’s note… this column was written for the January/February Erdington Local newspaper and first published on 20.01.26)

Words by John Lambert

January in Erdington has a particular honesty. The lights are down and what remains is the everyday. Getting the kids to school, keeping a business open and hoping the street still feels like yours when you get home.

All across Castle Vale, Erdington, Gravelly Hill, Kingstanding, Oscott, Perry Common, Pype Hayes and Stockland Green, residents are telling us the same thing. They do not want another set of promises in 2026. They want the basics done properly. Bins collected on time, streets kept clean, potholes repaired before they swallow a wheel and anti-social behaviour dealt with, rather than managed.

They also want fairness. Planning rules should mean something, not least when decent streets are being slowly worn down by fly-tipping, nuisance vehicles and the quiet creep of overcrowded HMOs that change a street’s rhythm overnight. Good landlords should not be undercut by rogue operators who ignore standards because enforcement is rare. Residents should not be left to log the same complaints again and again while nothing moves.

Operation Fearless by West Midlands Police has brought a bracing reminder of what normal should look like. Visible patrols, pace and consequence. But a town should not require a named operation to feel protected. If urgency works when it is organised and resourced, it should work every day of the year.

We are Reform UK’s Erdington Branch.

Like every resident in Erdington, we want competence. We will push for transparent spending, firmer enforcement and a council that treats residents as customers, not an afterthought. You may have already seen us in Erdington’s neighbourhoods, listening, taking notes and asking residents the simplest question of all.

What would you fix first if the people in charge were finally prepared to do the job? Please send your suggestions to [email protected]

For more from Reform UK’s Erdington Branch visit www.reformerdington.co.uk

Posted on

OPINION: Jack Brookes, local campaigner for Reform UK in Erdington and Kingstanding

Jack Brookes on campaign trail in Erdington during the 2022 by-election / Photograph supplied by Jack Brookes

Words by Jack Brookes

Merry Christmas everyone and have a Happy New Year!

I understand that times are the toughest they have been for a long time but, now is a time for hope and joy. Ignore the negative noise and celebrate Christmas girls and boys.

Enjoy the winter festivities and the well-deserved rest. Christmas is a time for reflection and to pursue meaning, not the presents. The one gift that is truly valuable to us all: time. So, stay warm and be with those that you love.

To those of you that are able to give, please give. Even it is only a little, a little at the right moment can go a long way.

And to those of you that are in difficult circumstances, it won’t last forever. You are tough and things will get better. Hold on.

Merry Christmas and 2026 is going to be a wonderful year,

Jack Brookes

To follow Jack Brookes on social media visit www.x.com/jack4erdington

Posted on

OPINION: Jack Brookes, local campaigner for Reform UK in Erdington and Kingstanding

Jack Brookes on campaign trail in Erdington during the 2022 by-election / Photograph supplied by Jack Brookes

Words by Jack Brookes

Remembrance Day… We must not forget the brave and the honourable. We must put veterans first. We must honour the dead by living each day with meaning and purpose.

Too many veterans feel let down; they have been let down. Their sacrifice was not worth it, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

I had an ancestor that died a slave in imperial Japanese hands and another ancestor that fought in both world wars and survived. I had another relative serve in the Falklands War, and he died five years ago of pancreatic cancer.

My family has a history of serving this country and it is for this reason alone that I keep fighting in politics. I will put veterans first, in everything that I do.

Taking inspiration from our Armed Forces – especially their fitness standards – I have devised another policy for the area: installation of athletics/running tracks and basketball courts at schools.

In Taiwan there is a running track at 85% of all schools and over 92% have basketball courts; Taiwan has some of the best health outcomes in the world and spend much less on healthcare – this policy can save the NHS. These running tracks are available to the public in the evening and on the weekends.

Things must change. Things must get bettr. We must give ourselves strength and then we can reform the nation.

In Liberty,

JB

To follow Jack Brookes on social media visit www.x.com/jack4erdington

 

Posted on

OPINION: Jack Brookes, local campaigner for Reform UK in Erdington and Kingstanding

Jack Brookes on the campaign trail in Erdington, during the 2022 by-election / Photograph supplied by Jack Brookes

Words by Jack Brookes

(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)

Paulette Hamilton says that Kingstanding will get another £2 million extra per year. Therefore, my monthly columns will be focused on how we can improve Kingstanding: empower the residents and improve our quality of life. Positive politics.

The following ideas of what I think we should spend the extra money on were inspired by my travels to Taiwan.

Firstly, we can construct several extremely affordable outdoor calisthenics facilities (pull up bars etc) throughout the ward; in Asian nations these facilities are around every corner and provide full-time access.

A perfect site for a calisthenics addition would be at the Wheeldon Recreation Ground. Additionally, we could upgrade Wheeldon and turn it into a covered MUGA (Multiple Use Games Arena).

Secondly, we can have indoor/outdoor calisthenics equipment installed at the schools. Gymnastics and calisthenics will help get our youngsters strong and positive. Plus, the facilities can be accessible to the public via appropriate clubs.

Furthermore, we should make the most of the space on Warren Farm and build a new covered MUGA with a green roof. This construction would provide everyday access and be a positive benefit to the community.

A strong and a positive body creates a strong and positive mind. We must be healthier and more positive. Motion is lotion. Sport saves lives and reduces crime. Let’s build some strength together! Reform yourself and you will Reform the nation.

And keep flying the flags. The council can take one down, but we will raise two!

To follow Jack Brookes on social media visit www.x.com/jack4erdington

Posted on

OPINION: Jack Brookes, local campaigner for Reform UK in Erdington

Jack Brookes on the campaign trail in Erdington, during the 2022 by-election / Photograph supplied by Jack Brookes

Words by Jack Brookes

Hoist the colours! Kingstanding and other areas of Birmingham have fantastic displays of our flags; when Reform wins the locals next year and takes control of Birmingham City Council then I vow that, not only will we keep the flags up but, we will put up more flags. Birmingham, the heart of England, we have found our pride again and it will not go away.

The beautiful sight of our flags being flown all over the UK with pride. These peacefully patriotic acts of defiance against the globalist establishment reminds me of Belfast – where I attended university – except, this time we are all united (rising above sectarianism).

However, the current Labour-run Birmingham City Council has shown its true colours by cutting down our flags and condemning us patriots for putting up our flags. We are not fascists, we are patriots! If Birmingham City Council has a problem with the cross of Saint George or the Union flag because of “safety”, then they have to be consistent and take issue with the flying of LGBTQIA+ flags and Palestinian flags.

We must remember who sacrificed most for our flags: our veterans. We must put veterans to the front of the queue. One policy I am proposing is to repurpose unused parts of parks, such as Finchley Park, with allotments – priority allocation going to our veterans. We need to start digging for victory again.

The Councils may cut down our flags, but we will keep on raising more. Keep flying the flags.

To follow Jack Brookes on social media visit www.x.com/jack4erdington

Posted on

OPINION: Jack Brookes, local campaigner for Reform UK in Erdington

Jack Brookes on the campaign trail for Reform UK in the Birmingham, Erdington by-election 2022 / Photograph supplied by Jack Brookes

Words by Jack Brookes

Is the UK an island of strangers?

Well… initially, according to Starmer, we are an island of strangers; then he backtracked after apparently going full “Enoch Powell”.

However, by Starmer’s own definitions, he is now far-right; don’t forget his handling of the Axel Rudakubana Southport Massacre last year as well as his denial of the existence of the mass rape gangs. Therefore, Starmer should be in prison by his own UKSSR logic.

Furthermore, due to the following, we are an “island of strangers”: immigration without integration; deliberate divisions sown during COVID; a tax and welfare system that punishes the “alarm clock” class, whilst rewarding people that are able to work but choose not to work – this is wrong, regardless of nationality or immigration status. The mixture of ghettos and not knowing your neighbour means that we are no longer united.

There is more that unites us than divides us. Someone from another country could be the best friend you ever had or the love of your life – I learned this from my time at university. But, for a society to function there must be fundamental common ground otherwise nations collapse – as we can see with the UK.

Loneliness is killing us. If you haven’t seen that old boy from around the corner recently, go and knock on his door and see if he is okay.

Call that friend or family member that you have not spoken to in a while, it could literally save a life.

Say hello to a stranger once in a while.

For more on Reform UK’s Erdington branch visit www.donate.reformparty.uk/birmingham-erdington

Posted on

OPINION: Jack Brookes, representing Reform UK in Erdington

Jack Brookes on the campaign trail in Birmingham, Erdington in 2022 / Photograph supplied by Jack Brookes

Words by Jack Brookes

First and most importantly, I hope all of you had a marvellous Victory in Europe Day; it is a time for all of us to reflect on what the brave fought and died for 80 years ago – throughout the world and peoples of all nationalities. They gave their tomorrow for our today.

In regards to the Commonwealth: “My thoughts go out to the innocents caught in the conflict between India and Pakistan at this incredibly difficult time.”

Now to political matters…

Reform recently gained: 2 Mayors, 1 MP, more than 600 councillors and 10 council majorities. England has displayed that it wants resolve, restoration and Reform. It must be remembered that this political change is greater than one person.

Reform’s local policies are clear. All wasteful government spending will be eradicated with the implementation of our own DOGE departments and the abolition of the unnecessary DEI and environmentalist jobs.

Taxpayers must get value for money otherwise more councils will go bankrupt like the Labour run Birmingham City Council. The Reform wave has momentum and we can win control of Birmingham City Council and save the city.

In other news, the Labour Government has perhaps negotiated the worst deal possible between the UK and India.

As stated on Reform’s Twitter/X page: “Two Tier Keir betrays British workers. It is now 20% cheaper to hire Indians than British people. He has cut taxes (National Insurance exemptions) for Indian workers and hiked them for British workers.” Thus, creating an unfair labour market.

For more on Jack Brookes from Reform UK visit www.reformparty.uk/birmingham-erdington-constituency

Posted on

OPINION: Jack Brookes – representative for Reform UK in Birmingham, Erdington

Jack Brooks on the campaign trail for Reform UK inthe 2022 Erdington, Birmingham by-election / Pic supplied by Reform UK

Conscripted to die for a lie; arrested for telling the truth.

The establishment wants to conscript your children to die in the pointless war in Ukraine. Will the politicians send their children? Either all of us go, or none of us go. If we die, then the establishment will die with us.

The leadership (I include Farage and Tice) of all parties should send their kids to the front lines (both genders – inclusivity is a must).

Starmer called us “far right”, now he wants us to fight? If the best of us go over to Ukraine, what will happen in the UK during our absence?

Given the political parallels in Europe, I have come to the conclusion that a war would be perfect for the liberal world order because those of us that would rise up against the boots of communism and anarcho-tyranny will end up dead on some foreign field.

In February 2023 a colleague in the Reform Party (a veteran) revealed the truth – to me and others – about the Ukraine war in his co-authored document.

The leadership of Reform have ignored this document.

Billions in money laundering and corruption, and weapons sold to our enemies; yet the Labour Government has found another £2 billion for this war whilst our pensioners freeze to death.

The Conservatives and Labour have lied us into war before: remember Blair, Campbell, Cameron and co with the Iraq war.

To all UK party leaders: “We will not die for a lie!”

For more on Jack Brookes from Reform UK visit www.reformparty.uk/birmingham-erdington-constituency

_____________________________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors  and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent, or the view or positions of Erdington Local.

If you wish to contact Erdington Local about any comments or contributions made, please email: [email protected]

Posted on

OPINION: Jack Brookes, Erdington parliamentary candidate for Reform UK

Words by Jack Brookes

Reform UK Parliamentary candiate Jack Brookes on the campaign trail during the 2022 by-election for Birmingham Erdington / Pic supplied by Reform UK

Reform is pulling ahead, no deals with the traitor Tories! Never make a deal with a traitor.

Labour… giving illegals a pathway to citizenship, so they can vote for you? And the uniparty cancelling elections? Stop rigging the game; we have the ballot box for a reason. “No taxation without representation!” It’s time to tax strike!

The American Revolution was born out of this sentiment: a government for the people, by the people – origins… Magna Carta. We must follow suit!
“Foreign aid is taking money from poor people in rich countries and giving it to rich people in poor countries.” – Ron Paul

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the USA has shown that taxpayer money funds the establishment and terrorism. It’s time to cut the government and the central bank out of our lives.

I have stated many times that the governments all over the world are deliberately trying to destroy us and now the proof is there with the USA with what DOGE has highlighted.

Lastly… knife crime. When the government replaces the family and you have Communists infiltrate institutions, the results will always be a deliberate increase in crime. All an angry kid needs is a bit of hope and be shown a better way. “Put down the knife and put on the gloves.”

Sport is the key – every great athlete knows this. Look at Tyson Fury and AJ, both credit boxing with saving their lives in one form or another.

For more on Jack Brookes from Reform UK visit www.reformparty.uk/birmingham-erdington-constituency