Matthew Benfield

I stepped into politics after seeing how far our traditional political parties had drifted from the values they once stood for. I was brought up on a council estate where almost everyone voted Labour. I understand why they did, back then, Labour represented working people in a very different way to today. Growing up, I was given opportunities to work hard, build a career, and eventually establish several successful businesses during a time when aspiration and enterprise were encouraged. Those opportunities changed my life. Unfortunately, I believe today's Labour and Conservative parties have both lost their identities. They have taken voters for granted for too long, and many hardworking people no longer feel represented. As a Reform UK councillor, I believe we can rebuild our country by rewarding hard work, restoring accountability, and creating the same opportunities for the next generation that allowed people like me to succeed. I want future generations to believe that, regardless of where they are born or their background, they too can achieve their ambitions through determination and opportunity.