**I’m standing to be re-elected as a councillor for Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown, the ward I currently represent and the ward I have lived in since 2016.

Full statement

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Professionally, I’ve ran my own business, and worked in both the private sector and for charities - including a charity based in Croydon helping residents here.

Over the last four years, I’ve been privileged to represent the Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown ward, and focus on delivering residents priorities:

1. A planning system that delivers the right new development in the right places - and protecting the character of our neighbourhoods, by stopping the replacement of family homes with oversized blocks of flats
2. Championing new investment and development, and working with the developers to bring a new Marks & Spencer store to Brighton Road that will open in 2027
3. Basic services that work for everyone - ensuring our grass verges and green spaces are cut and maintained; that our roads and pavements are clean; and our roads are repaired and resurfaced.
4. Engaging with our Met Police Safer Neighbourhood Team for the ward, ensuring they are aware of issues that residents are reporting
5. Supporting our independent small businesses and working with our local Residents Associations to support their priorities

Between 2022-2024, I served as Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance, and I’m proud to have done my part in helping to get Croydon’s finances back on track under Mayor Perry. In 2024, I moved to a scrutiny role, chairing our Streets & Environment sub-committee and as Vice-chair of the Scrutiny & Overview Committee: ensuring that the decisions the council are taking are sound and appropriate.

For the last four years, I’ve also served on the council’s Pension Committee, ensuring our £2bn+ pension fund is well invested and managed, to deliver the retirement benefits that pension scheme members expect in return for their and their employer’s contributions.

Most importantly, I’ve delivered hundreds of pieces of casework for local residents, resolving small and big problems that impact on our lives. I’m a local councillor that is visible and accessible in the local community, including through our monthly Purley councillors public surgeries.