For the last eight years it has been my privilege to serve as an Independent Councillor for the Beddington Ward and what a journey it’s been. What have I learned, well, in the beginning I was naive enough to think elected Councillors would work together for the good of the residents of the Borough.
Oh boy how wrong I was at my first full Council meeting I made my maiden speech asking the ruling party, Liberal Democrats, the official opposition, the Conservatives to put aside their party politics and work together for the good of the residents of the London Borough of Sutton.
Eight years on I made my final speech and expressed my disappointment that nothing had changed even though there had been many opportunities for the ruling party to support sensible motions that would be of benefit to the community.
One case in point was a motion from the Local Conservatives to establish a cross party working group to look at the feasibility of making the High Street electric bike and scooter free. This was voted down by the Liberal Democrats and that led me to the conclusion that anytime a sensible motion was put to Council it was voted down because it was not “their idea”.
It is my belief that local authorities including Sutton should be run by “hung” Councils or Independent Councillors who truly listen to their residents as they have no political party ambitions.
I was asked by a resident early on in my tenure as a Councillor to see if a seat could be put outside the chemist on The Broadway.
Like most things in the Council the wheels moved slowly but eventually this project was completed last year – part of my role as a Councillor – but I was so cross when I saw a leaflet where the Lib Dems claimed credit for that AND the Christmas Lights event outside the Dog House.
Knowing I could provide evidence that I and a small team were responsible for the two Switch on events outside in 2024 and 2025, I could not believe they could make such false claims but I’ve got over my anger now but to claim work on things that Nick Mattey, Tim Foster and I have been involved in is a falsehood.
As I bow out I want to thank all those who have supported me during the last eight years. My colleagues Tim Foster and Nick Mattey have taught me so much during my tenure with encouragement, support on issues that were difficult and just being there with their wisdom.
I wish Tim Crowley the very best, he is a great Councillor and will bring so much experience to Beddington and I so much enjoyed watching him forensically take apart Liberal Democrat proposals during Council meetings. Rest assured voters in Beddington Tim Crowley will support residents and work for their interests.
As Keith and I leave Sutton after 48 years and move to Devon I must thank him for everything. I am sure many Councillors will agree with me when I say having a supportive partner is a huge asset to doing this work.
Thank you dear residents of Beddington for allowing me to represent you for eight years.
My final plea to all Beddington residents is this, please get out and vote next Thursday. Vote for the three Independent candidates who will not let you down by making promises and then fail to deliver. The Sutton Independent Residents motto states, “Residents first and always”.