05/05/2026
From: Richard Coad, East Surrey candidate
The upcoming Unitary Election on May 7th is not just a choice between parties; it is a choice between professional competence and ideological risk. Over the last few months, with my running partner William De Save, we have walked every street in this ward at least once — from the businesses of Redhill, Meadvale, Hatchlands Road and Timperley Gardens to the school runs of Carlton Road and the quiet residential streets of Ringwood Avenue and Cronks Hill Road. Together we have spoken with over 1,000 residents (approximately 10% of the Ward) - a fantastic journey of over 300km by foot (that's 400,000 steps) - but apologies if we have not reached you yet!
What we have heard is clear: you want a council that gets the basics right.
You deserve roads that are repaired "Right First Time," not with endless patchwork. You deserve safe, wide pavements for your children to walk to school, and visible policing that tackles car crime and anti-social behavior. You deserve a champion for our local high streets and hospitality who understands that a thriving economy is the heartbeat of a community.
My 20-year background in the energy sector and management consultancy has taught me one thing: results require discipline, not just rhetoric. While the opposition offers radical, unfunded experiments that threaten our motorists and household budgets, the Conservatives still offer the most responsible and competent fiscal management of all the other parties. We have frozen your Council Tax and secured our green spaces like Earlswood Common.
The stakes are high. A vote for the Greens or Liberal Democrats is a vote for ideological uncertainty and higher taxes. A vote for the Conservatives is still a vote for "Safe Hands"—a commitment to data-driven infrastructure, protected SEND provision, and a local voice that shows up for every resident, on every street. Reform and Labour have very low level support across this ward and so would be a wasted vote. If you vote for Reform here as a protest, rather than Conservative, this will allow the Liberal Democrats to win via the back door. Don’t risk it!
We have seen the Conservative record as regularly paying dividends in our new play areas, children's activities in Donyngs among others, and our school successes. Let’s not put that progress at risk. On Thursday, May 7th, I am asking you to vote for experience, for efficiency, and for a councillor who treats your taxes with the respect they deserve.
For a professional-led council that delivers for you: Vote Conservative. Vote Richard Coad & William De Save on Thursday!
Promoted by Jessica Brigden on behalf of Richard Coad and William de Save, all at Reigate & Banstead Conservative Association, 25 Clarendon Road, Redhill, RH1 1QZ.
