About Me

I am David, 38, and I have lived and worked in Saffron Walden my whole life. I live in the ward; I presently work full-time for a business on Shire Hill. I served on the Town Council (2007-19) and District Council (2007-15). As well as previously being a local Councillor, I have worked in several human and civil rights organisations locally and nationally. I last stood for election in 2023, losing to the R4U Councillor who recently resigned less than a year into the four-year term. I also represented Little Walden as a Town and District Councillor when it was originally part of Castle Ward until 2015.

Strengthen Our Local Democracy

Presently Saffron Walden is a One-Party State with our County Councillors, District Councillors and Town Councillors being members of just one Party, Residents for Uttlesford. By electing me to Saffron Walden Town Council you are electing an opposition member who will offer an alternative view and scrutinise Council policies independent from R4U.  Not only will I be the only Councillor from a different party, being under 40, and from a working-class background I believe I will give a view, and voice, currently not being heard in the Town.

Council Tax and Budgeting

Saffron Walden residents pay an ever-increasing amount of Council Tax, for diminishing returns. I will scrutinise the budget, Council borrowing and oppose any unnecessary tax and spend policies during the cost-of-living crisis while prioritising frontline services.

Being an Independent Voice for Saffron Walden

I am not standing for any national parties, nor R4U, which means I will be free to represent constituents on any issue without any influence from third-party interests. Political parties are funded by big donors and special interest groups which often influence party policies and decisions, even locally. As your Councillor I would be free from such influence. I am not a paper candidate; I am not being put up to increase a national vote share or by R4U to maintain their stranglehold on Saffron Walden politics. I am standing because I believe I can make a difference for our Town.

Supporting Local Employment

I aim to establish a local employment sub-committee on the Town Council that will promote more full-time employment opportunities in Saffron Walden, connecting those in need of full-time work.

Protecting Saffron Walden Heritage

I believe that strong local communities are the bedrock of this country, I will look to promote our unique Saffron Walden heritage and rural Northwest Essex culture.

I will look to return the Council to the historic Town Council Chamber and will call for an independent panel to investigate R4U’s claims that the current chamber and furniture are not fit for purpose.

A Traditional Ward Councillor

I will put you first. I will be at your service. I will make myself available to residents, regardless of who they voted for and will aim to be available to constituents for the entire term, not just at election time.  I will lobby our District Council, County Council and MP on issues raised by constituents, I will help facilitate everything from the reporting of missed bin collections, right through to the increasing number of potholes in and around Saffron Walden.