Reform UK candidate pledges to bring a film studio to Blackpool if elected

One of the candidates in the Blackpool South by-election says he would campaign to bring a film studio to the resort if he was elected MP.

Mark Butcher, who works for charity Amazing Graze helping homeless people in the town, said it was wrong investment in the movie industry only went into London.

Mark, who is standing for Reform UK in the by-election, made the comments to broadcaster Mark Sutherland for his podcast.

He said he would campaign to build a major film studio in Blackpool on a par with Pinewood, Shepperton, and Elstree to release the talent in the town and the region.

He said: "North and West London control the narrative because they have the physical infrastructure with the film studios to fight the culture wars.

"London has hijacked all the good things. We need to fight the culture wars because they control the political policies and news media consensus. We need to release the creative talent in Blackpool and surrounding area.

"The loss of working men's clubs' infrastructure has cut off the music, comedy and other variety entertainment ladder outside of London. A small elite mega-rich group in London will not champion the people of Blackpool, the North-West and the English regions.

"We need to empower local people to do this. We need to give hope and inspiration to young highly talented creative people. They care about their home towns and will fight for them in the culture wars if we give them the infrastructure.

"London has taken a monopoly of music, film and the arts. We must take it back. London voted Remain, the English regions voted Leave. We need to rebalance the film, music, and arts infrastructure." 

The other by-election candidates are Stephen Black (Independent); Andrew Cregan (Lib Dems); Howling Laud Hope (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party); David Jones (Conservative); Kim Knight (Alliance for Democracy and Freedom); Damon Sharp (New Open Non-Political Organised Leadership); Ben Thomas (Green Party); and Chris Webb (Labour).