The United Kingdom is in a state of disrepair.

As someone with deep affection for this nation, I do not make such a statement without careful consideration.

Nevertheless, the evidence is undeniable.

During my travels across the country over the past eighteen months, one observation recurs constantly: public services no longer function as they should.

This reality is most apparent at the local authority level.

Take a moment to observe: waste collection has become inadequate, educational institutions face significant challenges, and road surfaces are filled with dangerous depressions.

Simultaneously, communities are experiencing elevated levels of criminal activity.

Yet regardless of these deteriorating conditions, residents continue to face increasing council tax demands.

In both East and West Sussex, council tax bills have risen by more than 25 percent over the past five years.

The explanation is readily apparent.

West Sussex’s chief executive receives annual compensation of £225,000, which exceeds the Prime Minister’s salary by £55,656, while East Sussex’s chief executive commands a salary exceeding £192,000 to manage these declining services. This situation exists alongside forty-two additional members of staff earning salaries surpassing £100,000.

Owing to poor management by the Conservative administration, East and West Sussex have accumulated combined borrowing of £663 million. This debt generates annual interest payments exceeding £24 million, equivalent to £67,000 daily.

Is it therefore surprising that West Sussex Council allocated £827,000 for translation services and East Sussex Council expended £180,000 promoting health behaviour campaigns?

Consider the condition of local roads. Based on available data, approximately twelve road surface defects exist per mile throughout West Sussex, with nine per mile in East Sussex.

Violent offences are prevalent throughout the region, with more than 47,000 incidents recorded in Sussex during the past twelve months.

This situation need not persist.

During the previous year, Reform UK secured numerous council positions, and already the beneficial effects of the party’s involvement are becoming evident in those localities.

This explains my decision to undertake a nationwide tour to inform the public how this nation can be restored.

We cannot accomplish this restoration without public support. Your assistance is urgently required.

Bear in mind that Labour, the Conservative Party, and the Liberal Democrats attempted to prevent these local elections from taking place.

They sought cancellation because they understand voters are eager to deliver a strong rebuke.

Therefore, this represents your opportunity to do precisely that.

Let us convey a unmistakable message to Starmer and the broader Westminster establishment.

The turquoise wave is approaching.

Nigel Farage serves as leader of Reform UK and has represented Clacton as a Member of Parliament since 2024.