Election: Julie MacDougall on ReformUK’s ‘fresh energy’ .. and no regrets
A go on the waltzers will surely be one of the more unusual photo-ops for a party leader and candidate in the Scottish elections, but campaigning in Kirkcaldy means a visit to the Links Market
Malcolm Offord, leader of ReformUK in Scotland, joined Julie MacDougall for the lunchtime spin when he came to town as part of his tour of constituencies.
“It was a bit of fun” said Julie, “but iIt would have been wrong not to go - the market is a huge part of the town.”
Her bid to swap Fife House for Holyrood sees her placed second on the party’s regional list - effectively assuring her of a seat in the parliament - but she wants to win the constituency seat outright.
The former Labour councillor joined ReformUK last August after sitting as an independent at Fife House. It is a political journey that she is more than comfortable with.
“No regrets,” she said. “I have met some fantastic people and there is a fresh energy in the party. It feels new ,which is brilliant, and I feel very welcome. There are a lot of great ideas and a vision for the country and locally if we get the opportunity to implement our ideas.”
Those include handing local authorities powers to raise their own revenue, cutting NHS waiting lists - it would immediately establish an independent, expert review of healthcare - and also reducing the number of MSPs by creating bigger constituencies, get schoolleavers into trades rather than university, and put locals first when it comes to housing allocations.
“It is going well,“ said Julie. “We are getting a lot of positive messages on doorsteps, and have been pleasantly surprised to see a number of people willing to give us a chance.
“There is a general feeling of apathy. People have lost faith and trust in politics, They have tried the main political parties and establishment and see ReformUK has a new opportunity. They have had 20 years of the SNP and Labour are not helping.. They feel things are not working so why not try something new? They now have an alternative.”
Anecdotal evidence has suggested support is coming locally from more affluent areas - Seafield and Dunnikier have both been mentioned - while the jury is out whether ReformUK’s initial momentum has stalled or the party will nudge Labour into third place in a constituency it once dominated.
“People say there is a good chance of getting to Holyrood, but for me it is a case of working hard and getting on with the campaign . What will be, will be. I am aiming to do my absolute best. I want to get the constituency and work hard towards that goal.”
If successful Julie plans to continue as a councillor for the Burntisland, Kinghorn and Western Kirkcaldy given the local authority elections are just one year away.
“The jobs intertwine,” she said. “I have run an MP’s office before and know the case work that comes in. It is do-able.”
And she believes ReformUK can have a positive impact on Holyrood.
“Holyrood has become very comfortable,” she said. “We will change the Scottish Parliament in a positive way. New people coming in won’t be a bad thing. They will bring some honesty and common sense from people who are pragmatic and make decisions. We have candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds - maybe not all experienced in politics, but have run businesses, and gained life experience as former police and military or worked in the NHS.
“It would be a fresh approach to Holyrood needs it. It needs a shake-up.”
Julie aid the message from the doorsteps was the need for voice for communities at Holyrood -
Clear message from communities to take to the Parliament and give communities a proper voice.
“People are struggling whether they are working or not. They see Council Tax going up, but don’t see more for tier money. Potholes, cost of living, cost of fuel, and anti-social behaviour are all being raised with us.”
“For me, it is all about people and our communities, and representing them at Holyrood. I’d be a strong voice - I feel people have built up their trust me in during my time on the council. If I say I’ll do something,I do it.
“I have a lot of experience in the public and private sectors, I’ve lived abroad and now back home. I have listened to the community and I know what bothers people. I am do-er.”