Standing in May

I am regularly asked if I am going to stand in the local elections in May. There are a lot of stories flying around, so I thought I'd share where I am at. 

It's been an absolute honour to represent Romford as a Conservatives Councillor, but I am not putting myself forward for election on May 7th. This is by my own choice, I am able to stand as a Conservative Councillor if I wished to do so, and the party has asked me to do so.

My membership of the Conservatives has never been in question, I've been a member of the party for over a decade and have even worked in Conservative HQ under David Cameron. The Conservatives are, in my opinion, the best option for the UK and Romford. 

Deciding not to stand was not an easy decision for me, but it is the right one. You will know that I haven't taken the role lightly and have given it my all. I've got the highest attendance record of any Councillor in Havering and likely have one of the largest media presences. This was not by mistake, but because I have worked hard for the town that I love. 

However, I am still a baby and I have a great day job and career. I need to put those first and build real world skills. Young people are a great addition to politics, but we have a problem when we have politicians who've done nothing but politics for their entire career. We won't get Britain working again with lifelong career politicians. 

I still have plenty to give both Romford and the Conservatives, and I will be doing so as much as I can, around my career. I'm not leaving the town, I love it here, and I'll keep fighting for it and holding our elected officials to account. I'm not going to disappear!

Looking back at what I have achieved leaves me proud. 

- When the HRA tried to double parking permits by stealth, I called them out, and they U-turned

- When residents raised fear of crime, I arranged a knife crime summit attended by hundreds

- When delivery bikes were blocking the pavements by the Atik, I got them moved

- When the HRA tried to put 12 storeys on the Como St car park, I pulled residents together into a campaign group that has halted development

And when Khan decided to waste money renaming our railways, I secured the Liberty Line as the name, making sure Havering's historic independence was marked on the map of London for good! 

Come May 7th, I would encourage you to back your Conservative candidates. I've worked with the new team and I know that they are as passionate about Romford and Havering as I am.

When we look at what is on offer for Havering and the situation we are in, it's the Conservatives that I trust. And I'll be supporting them throughout the next 4 years in all that they do.

Other parties are offering a selection of candidates who have changed parties without going back to you in a by-election, or candidates who backed closing the libraries. They pretend to be bringing change, whilst made up of the same folk who have been in for years, and they are making promises that cannot be delivered by the council. 

My Conservative colleagues are standing on realistic and sensible pledges!

Again, it's been an honour to serve you for the last 4 years. But, for now, it's time for me to crack on with my career. 

Thank you for all your support. 

David

Please do stay in touch, I shall continue to share news and information about our local council and Romford.