Candidates Announced For Local By-Election

Four parties to contest Chiswick Riverside Ward

Local parties have announced their candidates for the Chiswick Riverside ward by-election on Thursday 13th December which came about following the untimely death of Cllr Robert Kinghorn.

(Below are details of each candidate in alphabetical order by political party)

Conservatives have selected Sam Hearn to be their candidate. Sam has lived in Chiswick Riverside for over 20 years and his children attended a local school where he is an active school governor. His special interests are education, transport and services for the elderly. He has pledged to regularly canvass local residents for their views and be readily available by phone, email and regular surgeries.

Sam said, “I was greatly saddened and shocked at the sudden and untimely death of Cllr Robert Kinghorn. Robert served as councillor for Chiswick Riverside ward with great distinction for over 20 years. It will be a huge task to replace him but I can assure you that if elected to the council I will do my utmost to serve the people of Chiswick Riverside and the London Borough of Hounslow with Robert’s high level of dedication and integrity."

The Green Party have selected Martin Bleach as their candidate. Martin, who works with computers, moved to Chiswick from Hammersmith 10 years ago. He has worked with Hounslow Council on environmental committees and local ‘Greening’ projects, and has stood in the Homefields Ward on three occasions.

Martin said “The most serious problem facing Chiswick is Climate Change. Not terrorism or sub-prime mortgage fallout, not muggings or graffiti, not falling house prices or increasing Council Tax. Climate Change. Almost everyone says so: The government’s Chief Scientist, Sir Nichols Stern, the United Nations, possibly even David Cameron."

“The borough has some of the busiest roads, and Chiswick some of the biggest houses in London. Hounslow already has the power to put serious pressure on local car use, reduce emissions, and free our town centres for buses, cycles and pedestrians. And the carbon benefits of effective local government programs to insulate homes would be massive - if only we took Climate Change seriously and found the money."

Labour have selected 22 year old Chiswick resident Ed Mayne as their candidate. Commenting after his selection Ed said, "I want to speak up for the young residents of Hounslow. We care about the same issues as our parents and grandparents, but do not have an opportunity to contribute to local government. This is Chiswick Riverside’s chance to change that and vote for a different voice on our Council."

Ann Keen MP said, "We need to encourage young people to be involved in local democracy. Ed is an energetic and committed young man who would do a great job for the residents' of Chiswick Riverside and be a great voice for the young voters in Hounslow."

Liberal Democrats have chosen Phyllis Ballentyne to stand as their candidate. Phyllis has lived in Chiswick, Homefields Ward for the past 20 years with her family. She was a member of Strand on the Green School PTA, Belmont Aftercare Scheme and Chiswick Community School PTAs, CCS Community Association and Saturday Music School. Phyllis also worked as a volunteer adviser at the local Citizens' Advice Bureau. Phyllis' special interests are housing and education, as well as local provision for the elderly.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats, said, “Phyllis will make an excellent councillor for Chiswick Riverside ward. Her community involvement shows how passionate she is about making Chiswick a better place to live. Unlike Conservative councillors, who have recently been noticeable by their absence from Chiswick area planning meetings, I am confident Phyllis would be a reliable representative of local people. Phyllis Ballentyne will add to our principled and effective opposition on the Council and ensure that housing, the environment and transport for the elderly are given due priority.”

November 23, 2007