I am delighted to bring you my most recent update as we approach the summer recess. While the important work of parliament has continued, many of my readers will perhaps be more interested in the ongoing by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
Following the resignation of the former MP, constituents will have the opportunity to elect a new Member of Parliament. Polling day is on the 20th July, and I know from my own experience that the Conservative Party candidate, Cllr Steve Tuckwell, would be an excellent choice to represent the constituency having lived and worked in Hillingdon for his whole life – unlike other candidates at the election.
Having served alongside Steve on Hillingdon Council, I have been impressed by his commitment to the area and his excellent campaigning skills. We have seen this come to the front most recently as his excellent work has already saved Uxbridge Police Station.
Readers will know that Uxbridge Police Station has provided all local residents with an invaluable service for decades. Having visited the station regularly over the years, I have heard about its value to the metropolitan police and how it provides a vital base of operations in the borough.
Despite its importance, the Mayor announced in 2017 that it would be closed along with other such stations across London. In the past Hillingdon Council offered to buy the site at market rate and provide a £500,000 revenue contribution and leaseback arrangement to enable services to continue.
I know that residents were adamant that the police station should remain open, and I welcome the Mayor’s decision to keep the station open. While Uxbridge Police Station will remain open, I know that there are a number of police stations across London whose fate remains uncertain. The campaign to reverse the Mayor’s policy of police station closure remains ongoing as does the campaign to scrap the Mayor’s ULEZ expansion.
I continue to hear from constituents who are concerned about the impact the ULEZ expansion will have on them. With the expansion due to come into force from August, it has never been more important to send the Mayor a message.
First published: My Local News, July 2023
