About Me

I am no career politician; UKIP MEPs do not climb any greasy political party pole. All have done proper jobs, here a financier, there a farmer, while I was a Secondary Science teacher for 39 years, specialising in Physics and Chemistry. Responsible for spending taxpayers’ money from the start in a small school, head of science in a 700+ school, senior master then senior head of house in a comprehensive school.

I am dismayed that my work as Physics panel Chairman for the CSE in the East Midlands was ruined elsewhere. Working with “O” level colleagues a combined pilot examination for the new GCSE proved successful, but bureaucrats wrecked it. They extended it beyond the given boundaries, resulting in a down-graded mess.   

I was appalled when the EU undemocratically forced Denmark into a second referendum over the Maastricht Treaty. My letters to local politicians got patronising replies. Retirement gives time to consider, UKIP had just started so, with my wife Jane, I joined UKIP in May 1994.

I started the Northamptonshire branch in 1995 and in 1996 became (volunteer) Regional Organiser, then Regional Chairman as these committees were introduced nation-wide. I served on the Party’s National Executive Committee for three years, two of which as Party Secretary.

I contested the Northampton South constituency in 1997 where my 1250 votes saw the safe Tory seat become Labour with a 774 majority. I went on contesting Local, Parliamentary and Euro elections and was elected MEP in 2004, re-elected MEP in 2009.

Elsewhere the web site indicates my activity; busier than the bare bones indicate, but I confess to breaching EU protocol. The Parliament President had earlier told a UKIP MEP, answering his question, “You are not here to represent your constituents, you are here to legislate”.

This chilling reply typifies the EU which cares not for people, only for the ‘project’. I attend Parliament and Committee regularly but I disobey that instruction and do what I can for people. I answer all letters and emails, often where it really belongs to an MP or local councillor. Occasionally I make the difference but even a no result is sometimes thanked, with, “none of the others even answered me”. 

We must get this undemocratic EU out of our system where 740 MEPs, lacking the wit to run their own countries, endorse the madness of unelected Commissioners. We must shed the annual burden of 3000 regulations and directives, comprising 75% of our laws. We must stop sending over £51 million to the EU every day and learn to govern ourselves again, without delay.   

Meanwhile, I will continue to tend my garden, attend classical concerts and support Jane’s singing, especially with the World Festival Choir. Having visited many European countries, I hope one day to follow a Lions tour.  Rugby is my bag; 20 years a player, then 17 a qualified referee, now a season ticket holder at Franklins Gardens, where, from the stand, I am refereeing better than ever!