Dear All,
This was to be my speech at the count on Friday the 8th May but Spelthorne Council would not allow any speeches, so I’m posting it here.
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Well what can I say – EXCEPT THANK YOU!
Although I was late into politics, I managed to achieve some substantial things for our ward and for Spelthorne when I was your Councillor in 2019-2022. I am delighted to be back to have a chance to deliver again for the residents who ticked that box and have put their faith in me!
I want to thank every-single-resident in Stanwell Moor, Stanwell and Ashford North who not only voted for Harry and I but placed their trust in what we can achieve.
So, I look forward to bringing some new direction to our (West Surrey and hopefully South Middlesex Council).
To do that, we will need to address the reasons for the catastrophic failure in our local councils and this time it is not the Tory’s or even Labour who carry that blame. The reason why our Councils are on the verge of collapse lies with the Liberal Democrats and a failed system of committee governance.
My hope is that we can now move on under a “cabinet model” of governance where decisions are made and we can delete from politics the (insanity) of a committee style of governance that the Lib Dem’s favour, which actually does nothing, achieves nothing, has cost our local tax payers millions of pounds, and has indebted our once proud borough and district councils.
*As from tomorrow we have a job to do, there is no question of that:
While we didn’t get the 3 unitary authorities including North Surrey that we deserved, and the vast majority of stakeholders campaigned for, we now need to get on with what we have and to that end I would encourage all elected representatives to work cross-party and STOP playing politics with residents lives.
For my part I intend to do EVERYTHING in my power to deliver progress, as I personally believe that – Politics is simple if you stay true to your word, and the people who elected you.
I want to thank everyone, including my new ‘constituents’ and Reform UK voters county and countrywide.
Today you have not only voted for the right party and elected Cllrs who will work to reform things to ensure this NEW COUNCIL is SUCCESSFUL – We will do all we can to see West Surrey becomes a role-model for UK Councils and one that others aspire to be.
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN….
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Kind regards,
Jim.