The Horsell's Mouth Politics, pedantry and personal interests

Jonathan and I this morning in the Red Lion car park

Last night, I had the honour of being selected as the Conservative candidate for Horsell West at the next local elections, broadly expected to be on the same day as the general election.

Ever since I was a reporter sitting in the council chamber I have felt that being a part of the democratic process was something that I wanted to do and my employment during the past year has left me free to pursue political involvement. Last night, the Horsell and Woodham branch voted to give me that chance and I won’t forget their support – nor the fact that a team, rather than an individual candidate, wins elections.

So what would I bring to the council chamber if elected? I like to think that I have a good working knowledge of local government having reported on and worked for local authorities. I like to think that I understand Horsell’s and Woking’s issues and am able to work logically around possible solutions. I have strong connections with Horsell, having lived here for five years and am a former editor of The Resident, sit on the Horsell Residents’ Association management committee and am in my second term as a trustee of Horsell Village Hall. I also believe I can bring a fresh and young approach to council work to maintain a balance of youth and experience within the organisation as well as use my relationships within the council and community to deliver results.

I’d like to see council tax kept to a minimum to help those who have seen their household incomes drop and costs rise. I am concerned that in the new Local Development Framework there should be scope to maintain the character of villages such as Horsell and protect them from inappropriate development. I would like to see measures introduced to kerb speeding on many of Horsell’s roads, particularly those off the High Street. And I want to work with the police to ensure that they are given the best possible support in dealing with anti-social behaviour in the village and its outskirts. In addition, I favour scoping options for investment in Horsell’s community infrastructure to provide the best possible village facilities for young people and adults alike.

Nationally, I am a liberal Conservative who cares passionately about education, opportunity and social mobility both in Woking and across the country. I believe in the ability the of the free market to deliver prosperity but also in a market that is regulated to ensure it remains a competitive, ethical and reasonable force. You could describe me fairly accurately as a Cameron Conservative.

But in a sense what I think isn’t the point; I’m not the kind of politician who believes that election is merely a mandate to enter a democratic forum and put their personal views forward. Be assured that I have views of my own – don’t we all? – but I would happily put the views of residents first; the job of an elected representative is to represent their electors and their community, not themselves. In other councils, I have experienced the disconnect between local authorities and the people they serve. All to often, members are forced to chose between professional relationships with officers and the views of their electors. Where they choose to go is entirely their own business – but I know where my loyalties would lie.

Finally, I’m not under any illusion about the task ahead. Horsell West is a ferociously marginal seat and whoever the opposition is, it will be very hard work and victory is ultimately in the hands of the voters. I know that I’ve got a great team in the Horsell and Woodham branch behind me and I look forward to working with them to try and convince the voters of Horsell West that am a worthy proposition to represent them in council.