Local resident and campaigner Josh Coldspring-White has been elected as a Councillor for Hayes and Coney Hall Ward following a by-election on 7th December.
The by-election follows the sad passing of Andrew Lee, who was one of the Councillors between May 2022 and his death in October 2023. Josh now joins fellow Councillors Alexa Michael and Thomas Turrell in representing Hayes, Coney Hall and Keston Village at the Civic Centre.
Josh grew up locally and has lived in West Wickham all his life. He attended Wickham Common Primary School and Hayes Secondary School before going to university and graduating in 2022. Josh now works in media relations in Central London, commuting daily on the Hayes line.
During the election campaign, Josh campaigned on issues such as opposing the Labour Mayor of London’s ULEZ expansion to Outer London and any attempts to introduce pay-per-mile road charging, protecting the local green belt, parks and open spaces, keeping the local streets safe from crime, anti-social behaviour and speeding.
Josh won the election with 48% of the vote, an increase in the Conservative vote share from 2022.
Speaking after his election, Josh said:
“Thank you to everyone who came out and supported me, it is truly an honour to be elected to represent the community in which I grew up and went to school. However, I have only been given this honour because of the sad and untimely death of Andrew Lee, to whom I pay tribute.
We campaigned on the issues which matter to local people. I am a Conservative because we are the party of opportunity for everyone. That is why I, as the son of single mother, has been elected as a local Councillor. I will use my time on the Council to ensure that we continue to deliver the best opportunities for both existing and the next generation of residents.
I am looking forward to working closely with Alexa, Thomas and the wider Conservative team at the Civic Centre. I am excited to get going, and to deliver for the people of Hayes, Coney Hall and Keston.”
Councillor Thomas Turrell, welcomed Josh’s election saying:
“I am delighted that Josh has been elected. It has been great working with him during the campaign and I am looking forward to continuing doing so for what we hope will be many years to come. Josh is an excellent addition to the local team with Alexa and me.
Josh’s victory is a big win for the local Conservatives, with the Conservative vote share increasing. We would like to say a massive “thank you” to local people for the vote of confidence in the work we have been doing both in the community and at the Civic Centre.
Now with Josh on our team, we can continue to champion local residents on the issues which matter; fighting to reverse the ULEZ expansion, opposing any attempt to introduce pay-per-mile, protecting our local green belt, parks and open spaces, keeping our streets safe, reducing disruption from Biggin Hill Airport and improving public transport locally, especially in our more rural communities which have been hit hardest by ULEZ.
Congratulations Josh and welcome to the team!”
Video link: https://youtu.be/Ep1WEHkg27k
