Why did you become a councillor?
We asked CF members who are councillors this question...
Steve Ricketts, Plymouth City Council
My Term of Office had finished as President in Plymouth and I was working in East London helping long term unemployed people into work in Tower Hamlets.
I then got a phone call from The Plymouth Conservative Association saying the local elections were coming up and would I stand? We were 3rd in the Polls the last time in 2003, behind the Lib-Dems and Labour but I knew If I could go knocking on doors in 20 story Tower Blocks in Tower Hamlets in one of the most deprived areas in Britain I knew I could win a Council seat in Plymouth! So I took a massive gamble, left London for Plymouth and Duly Won!
Clare Hilley, Croydon Council
I became a Councillor after winning 47% of the vote, on a platform to help improve people’s lives by making day-to-day services better for my constituents.
I went to school in Waddon and have lived in the area all of my life, so it’s a real privilege to now have the opportunity to stand up for my constituents and represent their interests on Croydon Council.
Nick Vaughan, Herefordshire Council
I became a Councillor just as I was graduating from University. It was a hectic time but I had always wanted to stand in Hereford City and it was great to win in a ward where our family had lived for over half a century. The campaign was good fun and lots of my friends and family helped out.
Now halfway through my tenure, I am glad I decided to ‘take the plunge’ and stand for election. Lots of little wins for our residents have been achieved and we are planning some really exciting projects to improve the amenities for young people in our area.
Stephen Hodgson, Charnwood Borough Council
Whilst at Loughborough University I got involved in the Loughborough Constituency Conservative Association and thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the campaign to elect our Conservative candidate Nicky Morgan in the 2005 General Election. I enjoyed the campaign so much and met so many great people that were involved in local politics in Loughborough that I decided to remain involved.
In May 2007 I stood for election in the Loughborough Dishley and Hathern ward – a previously Labour-held ward on Charnwood Borough Council – and I was delighted to be elected for the Conservatives (admittedly after a number of recounts!).
Before I got involved I was sceptical about the difference that politicians – particularly in local government – could make to people’s quality of life and the effective management of public services but actually being elected as a councillor has really opened my eyes. I’ve learned a huge amount about what makes government tick and I’ve been able to make positive changes at my council.
