Lead Again, Serve Again: A Call for Veterans to Take Their Place in Politics by Danny Bromage.
As I sit here watching the world implode, the left grow further away from the right, and the middle ground looks as murky as a pint of IPA.
It’s worrying to see how technology has made the world closer than ever, and yet global political tensions are pulling us further apart, and who suffers… well humanity of course.
As information becomes increasingly more available, we seem to forget how complex the world’s information is, all we have achieved is a growing distrust and disconnection between the public and their political representatives. This has cast a shadow over global governments, but closer to home we question the very heart of our British institutions. Politicians are often seen as out of touch with the realities of everyday life, pursuing personal ambitions rather than the collective good. But there is a group of individuals uniquely equipped to bridge this divide: our veterans.
Politicians are often seen as out of touch with the realities of everyday life, pursuing personal ambitions rather than the collective good. But there is a group of individuals uniquely equipped to bridge this divide: our veterans.
After 25 years of service in the Armed Forces, I’ve seen the very best of what this country can produce, men and women of all ranks and backgrounds united under a single set of values, working together to uphold the might and moral authority of the United Kingdom. Despite our individual beliefs, we were bound by the same mission, driven by fairness, proportionality, and a commitment to the collective good. And yet, even as I look back on my own journey, I recognise the growing gap between these values and the political leadership of our country.
Our leaders, too often, come from a different world, one where status and wealth dictate outcomes, not unity or shared purpose. The same could be said of the Armed Forces in many ways, but there’s a critical difference: no matter where you come from, no matter your personal story, service personnel are united by a set of values and a shared vision of mission, and success.
All seek adventure.
Therefore as these individuals grow through service, they become something greater: pillars of strength, resilience, and unity. They thrive on group success, demand it at any cost, and hold themselves to account under the harshest of conditions. These are precisely the qualities our political system lacks, and desperately need.
Over the years, I’ve grown frustrated by the absence of fairness and proportionality in society. Politics has become dominated by careerists with little connection to real life or the people they claim to represent. Meanwhile, those who do have the strength, structure, and vision to lead; like veterans. It’s not about ideology or privilege. It’s about pragmatism, action, and robust leadership. Something career politicians lack, and yet somehow try and portray via their passion for Churchill, Napoleon, or their personal studies on E-Commerce or the history behind the French Revolution. Experience creates leaders, not the images and tales from a book. Leaders are born through the hardships of a journey, everyone wants the end goal, but it’s the seeing, feeling the adversity of the pursuit that determines who we become.
Veterans don’t seek power for its own sake. They serve out of duty, not ambition.
Veterans don’t seek power for its own sake. They serve out of duty, not ambition. They understand the value of teamwork, the importance of stability, and the necessity of decisive action. They are leaders forged by adversity, shaped by real world challenges, and tempered by the understanding that no mission succeeds without the collective effort of those around them.
I’ve been inspired by individuals who’ve already begun to bridge this gap. People like the former MP for Plymouth, Johnny Mercer. And while I mention one I must mention another, Jonny Ball. A veteran and host of the “Veterans In Politics” podcast, Jonny has been a tireless advocates for encouraging service personnel to step forward. His soundbite resonates deeply: “Serve again.”That simple call to action perfectly encapsulates what is needed now more than ever.
For me, the decision to step into politics comes from a place of frustration, outrage, and fear. Frustration with a system that has lost touch with the people it serves. Outrage at the cycles of political instability that threaten our nation’s future. And fear that, without meaningful change, the consequences will be disastrous and difficult to recover from. We can no longer walk on by, it’s not our way, it’s time to act.
We can no longer walk on by, it’s not our way, it’s time to act.
This is not the time for ideological experiments or untested graduates with no life experience to take the reins. It’s time for simple solutions, pragmatic action, and leadership grounded in real world experience. We need leaders who understand what it means to serve, not just their careers, but their country and its people.
To my fellow veterans: your service to this nation does not end when you leave the military. You’ve already proven your commitment to a cause greater than yourself. Now is the time to take that ethos into the political sphere. Step forward, lead again, and serve again.
The power belongs to the people, the levers to the politicians, and the delivery to civil service and industry. But the strength to unite them and chart a path forward belongs to us. Let’s build a nation we can be proud of, a nation driven by action, pride, and leadership. It’s time to redefine what it means to serve.
Our future depends on it.
Danny Bromage
Connect with Danny on LinkedIn here.
About Danny Bromage: Born in Solihull in 1979, Danny Bromage grew up in a resilient community where family and friends united to overcome hardship. These experiences shaped his passion for advocacy, fostering success, and driving positive change.
Danny joined the British Armed Forces in 1999, dedicating 25 years to global operations in high pressure environments. Renowned for his leadership and innovation, his distinguished service earned him the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours list in 2024.
A foster carer alongside his wife, Vicky, and their son, Tyler, Danny has spent over three years providing safe, nurturing support for children in Worcestershire. As a campaigner with The Fostering Network, he works to raise awareness, drive recruitment, and improve retention within the fostering community.
Danny’s political journey began nearly a decade ago, frustrated by community unrest and a desire to bring about meaningful change. Grassroots activism led to successful local initiatives and interactions with politicians who encouraged him to enter the political arena. Now an approved candidate for Worcestershire County Council, Danny is committed to empowering others and aspiring toward higher office to create lasting impact.
A tireless advocate, campaigner, and creative community champion, Danny embodies the values of resilience, service, and the pursuit of progress for all.
