Perth and Kinross-shire
Helen McDade

Committed to Improving Scottish Communities

Helen McDade grew up in the far north of Scotland and, apart from a brief year in Kent, has spent her life living, working, and raising a family in various regions across Scotland. Initially practicing as a veterinary surgeon, Helen later shifted her focus to public affairs and media roles within environmental charities. Her diverse professional background has equipped her with a wide-ranging understanding of the needs of Scottish communities. This breadth of experience drives her dedication to enhancing the quality of life for local residents and fostering stronger, more vibrant communities.

Why Helen McDade is Standing as the Reform Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Perth and Kinross-shire

Having called rural Perthshire home for over 20 years, Helen McDade is acutely aware of the challenges facing the area. Issues like the closure of post offices and police stations, inadequate public transport, and the pressing need for affordable housing and job opportunities to retain young people have become urgent concerns. She recognizes the importance of revitalizing Perth city centre and believes that Reform’s pro-small business policies will stimulate entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region.

Championing Local and National Causes

Helen has a proven track record as a passionate and effective campaigner. She has led efforts to protect Scotland’s wild peatlands, particularly against industrial energy projects such as the proposed 200m turbines in Kinross-shire. Additionally, she has successfully brought critical health issues to the attention of political leaders, showcasing her deep understanding of parliamentary processes and her ability to influence decision-making.

Key Policy Areas: Reviving the Economy and Restoring Communities

Helen McDade believes that Reform UK's policies are essential to reviving the economy and restoring thriving communities across Scotland and the UK.

Brexit: Securing the Promise

Brexit offered a historic opportunity for the UK to regain control of its decision-making, but Helen believes this promise remains unfulfilled. The Conservative government, despite its "Get Brexit Done" mandate, has failed to break free from the EU’s regulatory grip, as evidenced by the retention of thousands of unnecessary EU laws. Helen is determined to ensure Brexit’s full potential is realized.

Net Zero: Breaking Economic Constraints

Helen advocates for abolishing the restrictive Net Zero targets, which she sees as a significant burden on the UK economy. She believes in a balanced approach to environmental policies that prioritize economic vitality alongside sustainability.

Income Tax: Supporting Low Earners

Under Reform’s tax policies, individuals earning less than £20,000 annually would be exempt from Income Tax, offering much-needed financial relief to low-income households and helping to boost local economies.

Tax Reform: Simplifying an Overcomplicated System

Helen is critical of the UK’s bloated tax code, which now exceeds 20,000 pages—the longest in the world and more than three times the size it was in 1997. She supports comprehensive tax reform to simplify the system, making it fairer and more transparent for all.