Boris Launches Olympics Manifesto & Olympic torch in Waddon

Today Boris Johnson launched a special Olympics Manifesto stating that his two priorities were to deliver the games on budget and delivering an economic legacy.

His pledge to deliver 11,000 homes on the Olympic Park will transform East London.

On a different note the Olympic torch will be carried through Croydon and in particular Waddon on July 23^rd.

The torch is scheduled to arrive in Croydon from Crystal Palace Park at 11.37am. It will take in Southbridge Road, Duppas Hill Road, Warrington Road and the Purley Way.

To read more about the route click here 

TFL to retain pelican crossing

I am delighted to announce that Transport For London have decided to retain the pelican crossing at the end of Waddon Court Drive, across the Purley Way.

The full consultation report can be read here 

After personally submitting a petition against TFL's proposals with fellow ward colleagues Simon Hoar and Tony Harris and our GLAM Cllr Steve O’Connell we would like to thank the 166 local residents who signed our petition.

Well done to TFL for listening to local residents!

A Pro-Business Budget for Working People

The Chancellor, George Osborne has promised that next Wednesday’s budget will be one for working people. It is entirely right that during times of austerity that this Conservative-led Government helps hardworking families who are struggling to make ends meet. That’s why in Croydon we have frozen Council tax rates for the next twelve months, providing much needed relief for working families who deserve help to ease the suffering of Labour’s toxic legacy of debt.

If we seriously want to kick-start our economy, then this budget also needs to be pro-business. The UK needs to enable and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs and help international organisations to open up offices and warehouses over here to create jobs and generate wealth. Currently, Britain’s ludicrously high tax rates are a warning sign for outside investors, and decisive action needs to be taken to send a signal that we are open for business.

Currently, 27pc of the businesses surveyed by Ernst & Young said they see the top rate of income tax as a ‘deterrent to increasing the size of their business in the UK.’ These figures should serve as a stark wakeup call for anyone wanting job creation to flourish in our country, getting people back into work.

As part of this action plan, today’s papers suggest a change to the Sunday trading laws during the Olympics to kick-start the retail sector. This proposed measure will undoubtedly be met with opposition from several other areas of society, but is something that must be done. As our country struggles to break free from the shackles of Labour’s debts, any opportunity for longer store hours, with more opportunity for working people to make money must be offered.

Osborne has a tough challenge ahead, and will undoubtedly be met with strong opposition and attacks from the Unions and Labour. But this budget is designed to help working people by kick starting the economy and encouraging private sector growth in our country. This Government must stay on course, keep helping working families and continue to reduce the deficit. Any diversion from this tough, but correct strategy could end in disaster.

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Empowering Women to take the plunge on International Women's Day

Today is the 101st International Women’s Day and once again marks a global celebration of female achievements and success. Whilst there have been huge strides made in enabling and empowering strong female candidates to put themselves forward for local and national elections, the facts remind us all that still much more needs to be done. Globally, women hold only 19 per cent of the world’s parliamentary seats and in terms of leadership, just 16 of the world’s 188 directly-elected leaders are female.

These statistics show that women need to be encouraged to choose a career in politics, put their names forward as potential candidates and take the plunge. There has never been a better time for young females interested in politics to get involved and begin their political journey in the Conservative Party.

With the recent launch of Conservative Future Women, new recruits have a strong organisation, with a huge membership base to enable them to move forward with their careers.

The Conservative Party has a long and proud history of supporting strong female leaders at all levels of the organisation. Groups such as the Conservative Women’s Organisation and Women2Win have been created specifically for that purpose, with the resources and training facilities to empower the next generation of female politicians. But these resources are not simply slogans or gimmicks to please the press – our groups work around the clock to help candidates network and excel in their careers.

One only has to look at the challenges facing figures like Emmeline Pankhurst to help women win the right to vote to see the tremendous achievements women have delivered to shape our democratic system. International Women’s Day does much to remind us of the huge shortfall of female politicians across the globe and this can only change if more women put their names forward. On a day when we celebrate everything women have achieved so far, it’s time for aspiring politicians to look forward and take action to turn their dreams into reality.

To get involved or learn more about Conservative Future Women please look at their website here 

You can follow them on twitter @CFWomen and like them on facebook here 

Boris Brightens Up Croydon, Again

Yesterday Croydon was once again treated to a visit from London Mayor Boris Johnson, who was on fine form. Since last summer’s riots, the Conservative Council has worked closely with GLA member Steve O'Connell and Gavin Barwell MP to rebuild our town and get things up and running and Boris has been with us every step of the way.


With a slick new haircut and a smile, Boris was looking energetic and excited as he met the crowds of supporters through the town centre. He greeted local shop workers, owners of small businesses and shoppers through the centre and posed for a few family snaps with members of the local community.

As one resident said to me on the tour, “He’s been here many times before.” This is indeed true, as Boris has shown his commitment to our town time and time again, making regular visits and securing unprecedented levels of funding.

As someone who was born in Croydon, it’s heart-warming to see how the Mayor has developed a soft spot for our town. Having such strong support and recognition from the Mayor is an asset to all of us, and four more years of this would be a huge asset to all of us.