Cllr Tim Crowley had made his decision: after twenty years of public service, the time had come to step back and prepare for retirement from politics. That was until an unexpected approach changed everything.
Following the tragic passing of Pam Marsh, who had been preparing to stand in Beddington ward, fellow independents Cllr Nick Mattey and Cllr Tim Foster asked Cllr Crowley to step forward in her place. He could not say no.
“I had fully intended to retire from politics and was not looking to stand again,” said Cllr Crowley. “When Nick and Tim approached me following Pam’s passing, I reconsidered. Pam was a committed and effective community representative, and continuing that work in Beddington is something I feel I can contribute to.”
Standing as an independent will allow Cllr Crowley to focus exclusively on local issues, with a priority of holding the operator of Beddington’s incinerator to account over repeated emission breaches — a cause he has championed for 16 years.
“Independence means I can speak frankly, work constructively with councillors of all parties, and deliver the scrutiny and accountability Beddington deserves,” he added.
Cllr Crowley paid warm tribute to his Conservative colleagues, whose dedication and hard work have shaped Sutton for the better over many years. He reserved special thanks for Cllr Moira Butt, councillor for Carshalton South and Clockhouse, a close colleague and friend of twenty years. “Moira has been an outstanding colleague and a tireless champion for local residents,” he said. “I owe her a great deal and wish her every success in the elections ahead.”