I’m Richard, the son of a British army officer.

Full statement

I grew up on army bases in the UK & Germany during the Cold War, under constant threat of Soviet invasion or nuclear annihilation and understand how important our armed forces, secure borders, NATO & our special relationship with USA is to our fundamental freedoms and democracy.
I spent a career in IT & investment banking working in UK and around the world and understand the need for balanced budgets and reducing the tax burden on hard working people and business so they can thrive, because without their taxes we cannot pay for the services and benefits we also need.
My wife and I adopted our daughter from Delhi and we have lived in Redbridge for 25 years in the family home purchased by my wife’s parents who came here legally from India in the 1950s. In 2017 I qualified as a Physics teacher (QTS) after working for 1.5 years at Ilford County High grammar school.
There is plenty of money at Town Hall but it is not being proritised on local people. Council resources must be focused on local residents not wasted on pet projects, outside groups and ideological national policies. I support lower council taxes and balanced budgets not excessive salaries for Council executives.
I will work to make life better for you and your family by cleaning up your streets, fixing broken pavements & pot holes, clearing flying tipping, making you feel safe in your home and on your streets, and cutting waste wherever I see it. I believe in zero tolerance for anti social behavior, burglary, shop lifting, hooliganism & violence, and crimes such as drug dealing, sexual assault and open prostitution much of it controlled by criminal gangs.
Redbridge is broken and we need reform to start making things better again and give hope back to our families, community, and nation.