Colin Bowman, 57, my interest in public service began at an early age with the Young Conservatives.

Full statement

As a late teenager, I became actively involved in the Conservative movement.

I built a long and dedicated career in banking, starting in 1986 after leaving school. I worked in the industry for nearly four decades before being made redundant by HSBC in Canary Wharf in 2023. Facing the challenges of re-entering employment. I retrained as a bus driver and now work as a PCV driver for a local charity, supporting elderly and disabled residents across multiple boroughs—continuing my commitment to serving the community.

After my divorce in 2010, I met my wife Gaynor in 2012, who works in the NHS as a specialist palliative care nurse. I moved to Dagenham in 2014 where my wife has lived all of her life and we married in 2015. Together, we have a blended family, with my two sons and Gaynor’s daughter.

Since settling in the borough, I have witnessed significant changes—many of them concerning. Rising knife crime, theft, burglary, vandalism, and ongoing issues with drug use and dealing have had a serious impact on local communities. Fly-tipping is at an all-time high, yet meaningful action has been lacking.

I believe residents deserve better. I am committed to standing up for safer communities, cleaner streets, and lower parking costs for local residents. I am passionate about bringing greater accountability and transparency to the council, ensuring that residents are listened to—not just during election periods, but every day of the year!

I am standing as a Conservative candidate because I believe in putting residents first and delivering real, lasting improvements for the community.

On election day, vote Conservative for a safer, cleaner, and more accountable borough.