My name is Calvin and I’m your local Labour candidate for Abbey in the city council elections on Thursday 2nd May 2024.

Full statement

I got involved in politics because I wanted to make a difference to the lives of ordinary working people and the best place for me to do that is in this city, which I have proudly called home for the last several years.

I’m standing in this election because I believe we need a fresh start in Abbey. The same issues that plague our community today are the same issues that we looked to solve three years ago; we need real change and a new perspective on how we deliver for local residents.

I want to be a councillor that champions those who are seldom heard in our community, struggling to make ends meet in the cost of living crisis. I want our public spaces to be well maintained and kept clear of litter and dumping which seems to be a problem across the ward. I want to hold the Conservative-controlled county council accountable for the state of our roads and pavements, and I want to get our local policing team back with a bobby on the beat, so everyone in our community feels safe.

The only way the council will ever know what issues residents are facing is with a councillor who is out regularly and aims to talk to every resident across the ward.

Many of you have already spoken to me, and many others will have a visit to ensure that you get the chance to, because I care about what you have to say. I want you to know that I am pursuing the issues YOU care about.

Abbey deserves better and I hope you’ll vote for me in this election so I can deliver the fresh start we need. We can get the local government we deserve, with a plan to work with the city council, not against it.