Cllr Craig Smith

15/06/2026

✅ Banning social media for under-16s is the right thing to do, and I’m glad Labour have finally U-turned and backed it.

But here’s the hypocrisy…

They say 16-year-olds need social media curfews and restrictions because they’re not mature enough to manage it themselves.

Yet the same Government wants to give them the vote.

So which is it?

You can’t have it both ways.

👇👇👇

14/06/2026

We spend so much time arguing online and worrying about things we can’t control…

Sometimes you just need to get outside and remember how lucky we are.

No politics today. Just beautiful Leicestershire. ❤️

📍Beacon Hill

Where’s your go-to place to switch off and recharge?

14/06/2026

🚨 Pavement parking crackdown incoming... but here's the uncomfortable truth.

New laws won't change a thing if nobody enforces them.
Double yellow lines are ignored. School restrictions are ignored.

In my latest blog, I explain why fines for repeat offenders are long overdue and why rules without enforcement are just suggestions.

👇 Read more and tell me if you agree.

Pavement parking is one of those issues that almost everybody has an opinion on, and rightly so.

14/06/2026

Forty-four years ago today, British forces liberated the Falkland Islands and brought an end to 74 days of conflict.

For me, the Falklands campaign has always been a reminder that freedom isn't free and that some things are worth standing up for. Thousands of young men and women were asked to do an incredibly difficult job, 8,000 miles from home, and they did it with courage, determination and professionalism that made the whole country proud.

Today, we remember the 255 British servicemen who never came home, and we thank every veteran who served in that campaign.
The Falklands also taught us something we should never forget. Peace isn't maintained by wishful thinking or warm words. It's maintained by strength and by having Armed Forces that are properly equipped and ready to defend our country and our interests.

I'll always be proud of what that generation achieved.

We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we honour all those who answered the call.
🇬🇧 Lest we forget. 🇬🇧

13/06/2026

🇬🇧 SUPPORT A LOCAL VETERAN'S MISSION 🇬🇧

Many of you know Ant, a local veteran with a huge heart and a passion for helping others.

He's launching The Mobile Mess Tin, taking great food to events across the area, but with a difference. Every penny of profit will go back into supporting our local veteran community.

To get this project off the ground, Ant needs to raise £1,500.
This isn't about making money. It's about veterans supporting veterans and giving something back to those who have served.

If you'd like to help make this happen, whether through a donation, sponsorship or simply by sharing this post, it would be hugely appreciated.

Please take a couple of minutes to watch the video below and hear Ant's story.

Let's show what our local community can do when we pull together. 🇬🇧❤️

👉 https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/jWrOP36n?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

13/06/2026

🚨 Two ministers quit over defence funding, but Labour can somehow find billions for zebra crossings. You really couldn’t make this up. 🇬🇧🤦‍♂️

13/06/2026

🇬🇧 Armed Forces Day is coming to Coalville! 🇬🇧

On Saturday 27th June, Marlborough Square will once again come alive as we come together to celebrate the men and women who serve, and those who have served, in our Armed Forces.

I know just how important events like this are. They are an opportunity to say thank you, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to show our local veterans that their service will never be forgotten.

There'll be live music, military vehicles, motorbikes, veterans' organisations, an Act of Remembrance and the chance to meet members of our Armed Forces. Most importantly, it's a chance for our community to come together and show its support.

📅 Saturday 27th June 2026
⏰ 10am – 3pm
📍 Marlborough Square, Coalville

Whether you're a veteran, currently serving, a military family, or simply someone who appreciates the sacrifices made on our behalf, please come along and support this fantastic event organised by the Coalville & District Veterans Association.

Let's make sure Coalville gives our Armed Forces and local veterans the support and recognition they deserve.
See you there. 🇬🇧

12/06/2026

🚨 When your own Defence Secretary quits and says the PM is “unable” and the Treasury “unwilling” to properly fund our Armed Forces, you know Britain has a problem.

As a veteran, I think Labour have royally screwed this up.

🇬🇧 Watch this and tell me if I’m wrong.

12/06/2026

Today I had the honour of being the guest speaker at the Loughborough Luncheon Club, where I spoke about a subject that I think is important for all of us: Renewal.

Renewal isn’t just about politics. It’s personal. It’s professional. It’s about recognising that none of us are the same people we were ten years ago, or even five years ago.

Every day is an opportunity to learn, to grow, to become a little bit better, and to pass on some of that knowledge and experience to others.

I shared some of my own journey and how that ties into the renewal taking place within the Conservatives Party under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership. Having first become involved a little over five years ago, I can honestly say the party feels very different today.

I genuinely believe we are returning to being a proper Conservative Party again, focused on Conservative values, common sense and the things that matter to hardworking people.

Thank you to everyone at the Loughborough Luncheon Club for the warm welcome and the opportunity to share my thoughts. It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with such a lovely group of people.

11/06/2026

It was OMG this morning.....
This latest news is OMFG