In two weeks’ time, local elections take place with one third of Crawley Borough Council’s 36 council seats up for election, in every neighbourhood this year with the exception of Tilgate.
Because of international factors, the political parties of incumbent governments of all political colours across the western world are having a tough time right now, which gives somewhat of a free ride to opposition parties. Every country has suffered from high inflation since 2021 and no one likes paying more for things, although the prospects are now looking much better for later this year.
A free ride for those parties not in government at the moment, risks perverse outcomes in local elections with negative impacts for residents for the next four years, if there is no scrutiny of what is happening at the local authority that is actually up for election.
As the only party that is actively campaigning in every neighbourhood in Crawley that’s up for election, I urge voters to think local when considering how to vote. Base your vote on who you think will be your best local representative, on the record of candidates, what they are saying and on what their parties are doing at Crawley Borough Council. I would argue that those who are campaigning on national issues, going on about different local authorities, blaming everyone else but themselves for their own shortcomings, or simply saying “send a message” - are hiding from their own local poor record of delivery.
Our 12 Conservative candidates in Crawley’s local election have listed three key individual priorities for their neighbourhoods in their main election address that is currently being delivered everywhere in Crawley, as well as all being signed up to a manifesto plan for Crawley that are the local Conservatives’ policies, that’s on the reverse of the leaflet when opened up.
Our manifesto includes proposing a two-year council tax freeze, continuing to support Crawley in difficult times, cleaner streets and cared-for neighbourhoods, being tougher on crime and anti-social behaviour, leading on protecting our environment and tackling climate change, and putting Crawley first ahead of party politics.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
19th April 2023
