"What made you want to stand"

It shouldn't have surprised me, but it has.  Whereas I've focused on policy and council efficiency, voters are frequently more interested in who the person standing in front of them is, and why they are standing.

You can find information about who I am by clicking the "about" button above.

I live with my wife and 14 year old daughter a stones throw away from the Council building at York House in the centre of Twickenham.  I love living in our part of Twickenham.  There is nowhere else that has the same mix of local shops, schools, churches, pubs, restaurants, sports clubs, and most importantly people.  We have well connected train stations in Twickenham and St Margarets, a myriad of bus routes, the fabulous ETNA Centre, and even have our own theatre, The Exchange.

All this set against the prettiest stretch of the Thames.  Alongside Marble Hill Park, York House Gardens, and numerous smaller green spaces.  We live in one of the most biodiverse areas of London.  There's no doubt, Twickenham Riverside ward is a fabulous place to live.

So what made me, a non-politician, feel the need to stand as a Conservative in tomorrow's election?

Firstly, curiosity:

Like you, my Council Tax bill just keeps rising since the Lib Dem's took over the Council 8 years ago.  So I started delving into how my money was being spent.  As you will be able to see from other items on this blog, some of what I discovered was shocking to an average tax payer who expects basic competence from those spending our money.  When the full fact's surrounding the financial mis-management of the Riverside development are exposed, you will be shocked too.

Secondly, my belief in democratic accountability:

I had no idea that all opposition had been wiped out at the last local elections, leaving the Lib Dem's in absolute power with no need to even debate issues.  As my Gran used to say "we all need a little editing dear!"  Once again I've been shocked at how Freedom of Informatiin requests are ignored unless repeatedly chased up.  Absolute power has fostered arrogance and a lack of transparancy.

Thirdly, poor delivery of basic services:

Anyone who uses Council services can feel their year on year deteriation.  Whether that's in SEND support, housing provision / tenant support, road maitenance,  or so many other areas.  We pay the 4th highest Council Tax in London.  Everyone deserves better.

Finally, my wife:

"Stop moaning and go and do something about it".  Plenty of people I've spoken to over the past few weeks share my exasperation.  The Council should solve problems, not create new ones.  Too often, residents seem to feel that new controls are imposed for ideological reasons rather than common sense.  Restricted traffic zones, 20mph speed limits, and parking space reductions should be based on evidence, local consent and clear benefits.   

We are a wonderful community.  I am asking for your vote so I can play my part in making it even better.