10 Jun 2024
The newly selected Reform UK candidate for Harpenden and Berkhamsted said he did not expect to end up physically injured on his first day of campaigning.
Saba Poursaeedi had decided to visit the 25-year-old skatepark at Rothamsted Park to highlight how it was in dire need of repair, only to find himself experiencing first hand just how bad it actually was.
On a video posted on social media platform X, he said: “I wanted to make the point that the skatepark is actually quite dangerous, especially for novice skaters like myself, but I did not actually think I would be making that point so starkly.”
He said after falling over backwards on a dent on one of the ramps, he split the back of his head open.
“As is the way with Harpenden people, everyone rushed to my aid, and I’m now going to be going off to L&D [Luton and Dunstable Hospital]. I wanted to make the point about how dangerous the skatepark is, and I think I’ve made that point and I’m now feeling quite daft! Also, wear a helmet, do wear a helmet!”
Describing himself as a proud husband and father, the timing of the General Election could prove challenging, with his second child due in late June, meaning he has only four weeks to do any proper campaigning.
He told the St Albans Times why he is standing for Reform: “Simply, Reform UK is a party of the people, for the people. We’re made up train drivers, teachers, tradesmen, business owners, officer workers and a raft of hard working people who are all fed up with how politicians have failed to do anything that benefits the people of Britain.
“Running for Reform is something I felt duty-bound to do, I want a brighter future for my family, and that’s not on offer anywhere else. More debt, more regulation, and more limits on what people can achieve is all we can expect from the major parties. That’s not good enough, so I’m doing something about it.
“I can’t be the only person who is tired of paying more for less? You name it: energy, mortgages, rent, travel, parking, fuel, insurance, food, education, they have all gone up in price. All while inflation has shrunk the pound in your pocket. The cause: a catalogue of bad decisions and indecision from the Conservatives and New Labour.
“Reform are the only party that pledge to cut taxes on income, energy, stamp duty, inheritance as well as abolishing IR35 and lifting thresholds for small businesses. We will stop the state leaching off you and the economy.
“I will campaign hard against the education cash-grab. VAT on private school fees is just as abhorrent and cruel as 7.8% interest on a student loan. Having ambition and pursuing a first-rate education should not punished just so a greedy state can grab more taxes!
“Immigration isn’t something that comes up a lot in the constituency, both Harpenden and Berkhamsted seem to preserve much of their character in the face of the Tories’ open-border policy, but the surrounding villages are being affected with hotels being coopted to house illegal migrants, causing tension and disquiet. The threat of mass house building also hangs over the county at large with Tring and Redbourn under threat, all while the UK birth rate is 0.5/0.6, figure that one out?
“More unwelcome changes are coming down the line, whether it’s new developments, parking meters or 20mph speed limits. As your MP, I will stand in the way of anything that will ruin the beauty and character of Harpenden and the surrounding villages.”
You can find out more about raising funds for a new skatepark here: https://www.harpenden.gov.uk/rothamsted-skatepar
