Chiswick Riverside Goes to the Polls Today

Tories hope parking fines and education cuts will not slash their majority

The person who will fill the vacancy left by the untimely death of Cllr Robert Kinghorn will be decided today as residents go to the polls. The successful candidate will work alongside existing Chiswick Riverside councillors Felicity Barwood and Paul Lynch (both Conservative).

The Conservatives won the seat comfortably last time and it would be a massive shock if they didn't retain it. The opposition parties appear to have run quite low-key campaigns suggesting that the best they can hope for is reducing the Conservative's majority.

The main issues dominating the campaign so far are parking enforcement, Heathrow and spending cuts. Some local Conservatives are concerned that there will be a back-lash against draconian new parking measures enforced by CCTV cameras on Chiswick High Road and Turnham Green Terrace. The current administration has been accused of using parking revenue to keep the headline rate of Council Tax down and an element of protest voting from people who have received parking tickets is likely.

The Tories have accused the Lib Dems of breaking ranks over Heathrow by pointing to the differences in national policy. The Lib Dems and the Greens are hoping to pick up votes on the Heathrow issue as the two parties that have committed not to proceed with the third runway.

The Conservatives in Chiswick have also seen a defection with Cllr. Samantha Davies resigning the party whip primarily over new policies on candidate selection which she felt would serve to undermine the independence of Councillors. She also expressed concerns about the Council's policy on parking.

Further pressure on the Conservative vote is likely to result from the publication of a letter by Roger Shortt, Education Improvement Partnership Facilitator who was writing on behalf of the borough's Head Teachers. He claims that as a result of cuts in key services for education 'schools would not be able to function effectively.'

(Below are details of each candidate in alphabetical order by political party)

Conservatives have selected Sam Hearn to be their candidate. Sam has lived in Chiswick Riverside for over 20 years and his children attended a local school where he is an active school governor. His special interests are education, transport and services for the elderly. He has pledged to regularly canvass local residents for their views and be readily available by phone, email and regular surgeries.

Sam said, “I was greatly saddened and shocked at the sudden and untimely death of Cllr Robert Kinghorn. Robert served as councillor for Chiswick Riverside ward with great distinction for over 20 years. It will be a huge task to replace him but I can assure you that if elected to the council I will do my utmost to serve the people of Chiswick Riverside and the London Borough of Hounslow with Robert’s high level of dedication and integrity."

The Green Party have selected Martin Bleach as their candidate. Martin, who works with computers, moved to Chiswick from Hammersmith 10 years ago. He has worked with Hounslow Council on environmental committees and local ‘Greening’ projects, and has stood in the Homefields Ward on three occasions.

Martin said “The most serious problem facing Chiswick is Climate Change. Not terrorism or sub-prime mortgage fallout, not muggings or graffiti, not falling house prices or increasing Council Tax. Climate Change. Almost everyone says so: The government’s Chief Scientist, Sir Nichols Stern, the United Nations, possibly even David Cameron."

Labour have selected 22 year old Chiswick resident Ed Mayne as their candidate. Commenting after his selection Ed said, "I want to speak up for the young residents of Hounslow. We care about the same issues as our parents and grandparents, but do not have an opportunity to contribute to local government. This is Chiswick Riverside’s chance to change that and vote for a different voice on our Council."

Ann Keen MP said, "We need to encourage young people to be involved in local democracy. Ed is an energetic and committed young man who would do a great job for the residents' of Chiswick Riverside and be a great voice for the young voters in Hounslow."

Liberal Democrats have chosen Phyllis Ballentyne to stand as their candidate. Phyllis has lived in Chiswick, Homefields Ward for the past 20 years with her family. She was a member of Strand on the Green School PTA, Belmont Aftercare Scheme and Chiswick Community School PTAs, CCS Community Association and Saturday Music School. Phyllis also worked as a volunteer adviser at the local Citizens' Advice Bureau. Phyllis' special interests are housing and education, as well as local provision for the elderly.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats, said, “Phyllis will make an excellent councillor for Chiswick Riverside ward. Her community involvement shows how passionate she is about making Chiswick a better place to live. Unlike Conservative councillors, who have recently been noticeable by their absence from Chiswick area planning meetings, I am confident Phyllis would be a reliable representative of local people. Phyllis Ballentyne will add to our principled and effective opposition on the Council and ensure that housing, the environment and transport for the elderly are given due priority.”

December 13, 2007