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Veterans In Politics PodcastAuthor: Jonny Ball
Veterans In Politics is a set of interviews that sets out to explore how the military community can help make our politics a better place. We sit down with individuals from across the world of politics, sharing secrets, giving tips and advice and inspiring the next generation. Veterans In Politics podcast's mission is to inspire, enable and empower the Armed Forces community to stand up and serve again! Language: en-gb Genres: News, Politics, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Cllr John Davies- our first ever Reform Party guest- on service, community and honouring our fallen
Episode 12
Wednesday, 4 November, 2026
Send us Fan MailJohn Davies joins host Jonny Ball to trace a journey from REME vehicle mechanic and four operational tours to education, veteran employability, the Army Reserve, politics, and local government. He explains why he became a councillor in Runcorn, how a campaign changed cemetery maintenance, and his goal of making Halton a leading borough for the Armed Forces community.key topicsJohn joined the REME in 2001, inspired by his father’s Territorial Army service, and deployed to Iraq in 2003.He describes the change in Iraq from initial welcomes to growing insurgency during TELIC 2, and his 2005 Northern Ireland tour amid continuing sectarian violence.Operational service included Afghanistan tours in 2007 and 2010; the latter was especially difficult, with 12 killed in action in 1 Mercian and 120-150 wounded, according to Davies.A moment watching Emmerdale in Afghanistan, longing for ordinary rain and routine, crystallized his decision to leave regular service; he left in 2012.Davies moved into teaching motor vehicle studies, remained in the Army Reserve, gained a history degree and PGCE, and later commissioned into the reserve Educational and Training Services branch at age 37.Work with Project Recce helped veterans connect military skills with varied roles in construction, beyond only trade work such as bricklaying or wiring.After charity work, he entered politics and became an elected councillor and deputy group leader, while also serving as a JP, working for an MP, and remaining in the reserves.He helped reverse a cemetery rewilding decision in Runcorn, arguing that the site’s war graves and notable military graves deserved regular maintenance.Davies wants Halton to become one of the best places in the country to be a veteran, with visible services, stronger Armed Forces engagement, and meaningful implementation of the Covenant.Support the show✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today...💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people by creating the content you love! You can do this for just a few pounds (or contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing jonny@greatcampaigns.co.uk)Easy ways now are here:PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZKMAHSTCH2RNJREGULAR GIVING 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support
