Why I’m standing for President
After thinking about it—and after several people asked whether I would run—I have decided to stand in September’s presidential election.
This is not a personal campaign against Hippie. I respect the stability he has provided and the work undertaken by the current government, particularly during difficult military and diplomatic circumstances.
However, I do not believe any presidency should become the automatic result every month. Genuine competition gives voters a choice, encourages governments to remain active and requires every leader to continue explaining what they are doing and why.
Britain benefits when new people, policies and approaches are allowed to prove themselves.
What I have already been working on
I do not want this campaign to consist entirely of promises.
Over the past month, I have:
- Personally funded external advertising intended to bring new British players into War Era.
- Welcomed and supported newcomers directly.
- Built Xerox Enterprises into a significant employer, providing jobs and economic guidance to players.
- Organised global and UK-specific community giveaways.
- Helped grow UKPP from a very small party to more than 20 listed members.
- Drafted a completely rebuilt UK beginner guide.
- Asked members of the government to review that guide before publication.
- Begun developing proposals for economic coordination, newcomer support and a stronger British defence economy.
Not every project is finished, and I have been quieter than usual recently. I will not pretend otherwise. What I can promise is a return to sustained activity and a willingness to be judged by whether I actually complete the work I begin.
A more active government
If elected, I would establish clearly defined responsibilities for ministers and expect regular communication about their work.
Citizens should not have to guess:
- What the government is currently trying to achieve.
- Which official they should contact.
- What Congress is discussing.
- Why important economic, territorial or diplomatic decisions have been made.
- Whether announced projects are actually progressing.
I would provide regular public updates and encourage ministers and Congress members to remain accessible. Activity does not mean producing noise every day; it means responding, organising, following through and keeping citizens informed.
New players and an active community
Recruitment alone is not enough. New players must receive a reason to remain.
The new beginner guide I have drafted covers missions, skills, jobs, companies, markets, combat, Military Units, Discord verification and where to obtain help. The President has given the draft an initially positive response, while a more detailed government review is still pending.
I am holding the final version until the major gameplay changes in v0.26 can be properly tested and incorporated. Publishing an immediately outdated guide would not help anybody.
Alongside the guide, I want to develop a small volunteer liaison network. New players should have identifiable people they can approach for:
- General guidance.
- Jobs and economic assistance.
- Military advice.
- Discord access and community support.
A successful Britain needs more than registered citizens. It needs people who feel welcomed, involved and useful.
A stronger British economy
Recent economic changes have created new opportunities. Deposits can now vary significantly in strength, making location, national specialisation and fast economic decision-making more valuable.
Britain should regularly examine:
- Current deposits and strategic resources.
- Production bonuses.
- Company locations.
- Income and market taxes.
- Essential national products.
- Employee Production and Fidelity.
- Live market prices and raw-material costs.
We should then coordinate businesses and government policy around the evidence rather than relying on permanent assumptions about which products are best.
I am investigating several more detailed economic possibilities. I will not publish live market positions or every operational calculation in a public campaign article, because doing so could disadvantage British companies. However, I would share the relevant evidence with trusted officials and participating businesses so that national decisions can be properly examined.
The overall objective is public: stronger companies, worthwhile employment, essential production and an economy capable of supporting defence.
Self-reliance without isolation
Germany has been a valuable ally, and I want that relationship to continue.
However, a strong alliance should be a partnership. Britain should aim to contribute more economically and militarily instead of continually depending upon stronger allies to solve our problems.
That does not mean isolationism or turning against our friends. It means becoming a more useful ally: producing more, organising better, funding more of our own defence and bringing greater value to any alliance we join.
My objective is a Britain that can stand securely on its own feet while cooperating confidently with its partners.
The best people, regardless of party
I do not believe I must personally control everything.
If elected, I would be willing to work with capable and active people from UKPP, the British Farmers Party, Forest Guard and elsewhere. Government positions should be awarded according to ability, reliability and willingness to work—not merely party membership.
The President should coordinate a team, not surround themselves exclusively with supporters.
Competition and political renewal
I support discussing a reasonable limit on consecutive presidential terms or, at minimum, establishing a strong convention of regular leadership renewal and properly contested elections.
Experience and continuity are valuable, but no elected office should begin to feel permanent. That principle would apply to me as much as anybody else.
I am not standing because I believe that I am the only person capable of leading Britain. If I prove to be the strongest option, I am prepared to serve. If somebody else demonstrates that they are better suited, I am capable of supporting them.
The objective is genuine improvement, not obtaining a title.
What comes next
This article outlines my presidential priorities. A more detailed UKPP Congress manifesto will follow separately, covering legislative proposals, economic policy and congressional accountability.
I am realistic about this election, but meaningful competition develops when more citizens are willing to present alternatives, debate ideas and give voters a genuine choice.
If elected, I am prepared to take responsibility and begin this work. If I am not elected, I will continue with the beginner guide, employment, recruitment, economic planning and the Congress campaign.
Either way, the work continues.
If you want a more active government, a stronger community, a better-organised economy and a more self-reliant Britain, I would be grateful for your support.
WinstonTurtle
United Kingdom Prosperity Party