Dear Neighbours,

My name is Sharfaraz Khan Raj, and I am proud to stand as your Conservative candidate for our local council here in Goresbrook.

Full statement

This is more than a campaign for me, it's personal. I live here in Dagenham, I own my home here and my children go to school here. Like you, I know both the opportunities and the challenges our community faces. My car has been stolen twice and I've been a victim of crime on more than few occasion. I also see, every day the impact of fly tipping and litter on our streets.

That's why I've already taken action. I've worked to get rid of some anti-social businesses that were damaging our neighbourhood. Stopped the council from putting School Street in Goresbrook Ward. But I believe we can go further. As your councillor, I will fight for:
• Safer streets – tackling crime, anti-social behaviour, and protecting our families.
• Cleaner neighbourhoods – hiring more cleaners and reducing cost of council bulk waste collection and making it efficient to put an end to fly tipping and restoring pride in Goresbrook.
• Reduce Parking charges– support motorists by reducing cost of parking in the borough.
• Freeze council – at times of cost of living crisis we need every single pound to help us get through this difficult time.

I bring with me both real-world experience and professional skills. I've worked long hours as a cab driver and estate agent, and I've also earned a Master's degree in Finance and Econometrics. That means I understand both the struggles of working families and the importance of managing money properly at the council.

I believe in Conservative values: rewarding hard work, personal responsibility and building strong communities. I will listen, I will act and I will always put the people of Dagenham first.

I love our area and I want to make it a place we can all be proud to call home. On election day, I ask for your support to deliver safer and cleaner streets also reduce cost of parking and freeze council tax.

If you genuinely want Labour out, the only realistic way to do it is to vote Conservative.

Under first past the post, splitting the opposition vote between Reform, Greens and Lib Dems only hands another win to Labour Party. Those parties don't have the voter base or local strength to win seats here. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform party himself declared that they are not favourite to win in Barking and Dagenham.

For decades, the Conservative Party has been the only party capable of holding Labour to account and building a serious opposition. This election is a chance to change things but only if people vote tactically.

A divided opposition guarantees more of the same. A united vote behind the Conservatives gives Labour its first real challenge in years. If you want Barking and Dagenham to have a change and fresh start then please vote for your Local Conservatives candidates.