Dear Neighbour, I am standing for election to be your new Conservative councillor on Thursday 1st May.

Full statement

As the only major party (Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Reform) candidate at this election who actually lives in Hoddesdon, I am the best-placed contender to follow on from the current county councillor (Lewis Cocking MP) in serving the interests of our town rather than those of other places.

I have had the pleasure of representing Hoddesdon Town and Rye Park at Broxbourne Council since May 2023. In that time, I have secured funding to upgrade the John Warner Sports Centre, improve our local parks and ensure more key workers earn a fair wage for the vital work that they do.

As the council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, I have kept Broxbourne’s council tax precept the lowest of any unparished district in England - without cutting services. I have shown that I know how to cut waste and get the basics right.

Being a small businessman, I understand current pressures on the self-employed first-hand. That’s why I champion our small businesses and back our local entrepreneurs.

As a trustee of a charity that works with people living with dementia, mental health challenges and learning difficulties, I have what it takes to support everyone in our community.

Cracking down on crime is one of my top priorities, and I’m already working across Hertfordshire to get more people on our streets.

In recent weeks, I have met thousands of Hoddesdon residents whilst spending almost every afternoon and evening out on doorsteps. I have helped many of you with various local issues already, and hope to do even more if elected to serve you on the county council on Thursday 1st May.

I speak up for what’s right, have a good mind, and get things done. I bring the determination, energy and experience needed to achieve real results for our area.

On Thursday 1st May, only a vote for the Conservatives can stop Labour taking over our local services here in Hertfordshire – just look at the mess they’ve made in Birmingham. Overflowing bins, financial chaos, and broken services. Don’t risk the same happening here.

A vote for anyone else (or not voting at all) could hand Labour the keys, especially given that Reform’s leader Nigel Farage says he has ‘no intention of forming coalitions with the Tories at any level’ but has refused to rule out what he calls ‘working relationships’ with other parties. Local Conservatives have a great track record of running the council well round here. Let’s keep what works in our area by voting Conservative on Thursday 1st May.