The candidates for Carshalton and Wallington’s new MP

Elliot Colburn has served as the South London seat’s MP ever since.

However, a lot has changed since 2019 and once again the seat is expected to be hotly contested in the upcoming General Election on July 4.

Here’s an alphabetical list of all the candidates standing in Carshalton and Wallington, and a breakdown of what they stand for in their own words.

Elliot Colburn – Conservatives

“Together we have achieved so much for Carshalton and Wallington, even through the difficult times of the past few years. I am running to carry on as your local MP because I want us to be able to finish what we started.

“We’ve secured money to improve St Helier and build a second local hospital in Sutton, saving A&E and maternity in our area. Despite Labour and the Lib Dems voting against it, we’ve secured 3,666 more police in London, including here, with more to come.

“We’ve delivered longer peak time trains, improved local buses such as doubling the number of SL7 buses and were one of the first MPs to fight against Sadiq Khan and the Lib Dems’ ULEZ expansion. But there is more to do, and I believe we need a strong, local champion to stand up for our area through what I’m sure will still be challenging times.

“I am the only local candidate in this race. Whilst other parties have parachuted in their candidates from all over the place, I was born here, I went to school here, I worked for the NHS here. Like you, I walk on the same streets, shop in the same shops and use the same services, day in, and day out. They just want to be AN MP, I want to carry on being OUR MP.

“We all know what the pollsters are saying. But when the media circus leaves town after the election, you will either have me carrying on as your hardworking local MP who gets things done, or a parachuted-in MP who knows nothing about our area, playing politics from the sidelines.”

Elizabeth Cooper – Reform UK

“I’m so excited to be running as a candidate for the Reform Party. As a mother, well-being practitioner and psychotherapist with experience in healthcare and education, I truly understand how important it is to have a safe and healthy environment for everyone to thrive. My campaign is all about bringing some positive changes to the community.

“I aim to strengthen community partnerships by fostering better collaboration between local authorities, charities, businesses, and community groups. Collaborative working is vital in driving economic growth and improving public services, making our community more vibrant and prosperous.

“Supporting small businesses and startups is crucial. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges people face. Providing guidance and support to these local enterprises to help them succeed and create new job opportunities. Safety is essential for our well-being. I will advocate for increased funding and training for local law enforcement and community policing to tackle crime more effectively and ensure our neighbourhoods are secure for everyone.

“As a well-being practitioner and psychotherapist, I am committed to better healthcare access, including mental health support. I envision a community where everyone can lead a healthy, fulfilling life by advocating for more investment in public health initiatives, supporting families and ensuring people don’t feel alone.

“I am passionate about supporting the next generation by improving education and youth services. The Reform Manifesto emphasises life skills education, better access to higher education, and more apprenticeships to empower our youth for the future.

“Affordable housing is crucial. I am committed to finding solutions that increase the availability of affordable homes, help residents achieve homeownership, and reduce homelessness, ensuring everyone has a place to call home.

“Environmental sustainability is key. Understanding local concerns and implementing better policies to reduce pollution, promote recycling, and protect our green spaces will enhance the quality of life for all.

“High council taxes burden our residents. I am committed to creating a fairer tax system that provides value for money while maintaining essential services. Additionally, I will fight to eradicate the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which unfairly impacts families and local businesses.”

Bobby Dean – Lib Dem

“I’m proud to call Carshalton & Wallington my home – I love the ponds, pubs, parks and its people. It’s a great place to live and it’s obvious why so many people choose to raise their families here.

“I grew up on a council estate, the son of a cleaner and scaffolder, and went on to run my own small business advising charities working on global poverty, health and education issues. I’m standing to be our next MP because I have had enough of being let down by this out-of-touch Conservative Government.

“From record wait times in the NHS to people struggling to make ends meet, the people in charge just don’t seem to get how tough it is right now. We deserve so much better. My top campaign priorities are to stop the cuts to A&E and Maternity services at St Helier Hospital, tackle the cost of living crisis and protect the River Wandle from pollution.

“In Carshalton & Wallington, it’s always a close race between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Last time there were just 629 votes in it – making it one of the closest races in the country, with Labour in a distant third place. Every vote really does count here.”

Ashley Dickenson – Christian People’s Alliance

Ashley Dickenson was approached for information about his campaign but failed to respond in time for publication.

Tracey Hague – Green

“Political interests started with Greenpeace at age 16. For 20 years I have developed environmental expertise in the energy and buildings sector, delivering governmental projects across Sutton, South West London and further afield.

“An advocate for empowerment, I sat on Croydon’s Scrutiny Sub-committee, so I know how councils and agencies work and have a track record of raising issues and representing people. My professionalism earns wide respect.

“I stand up for what I believe in and thus have stood in elections at all levels over the past 9 years. We need to change how we do things – in society, industry, and government – but have precious little time to avert climate catastrophe.

“I’ve promoted environmental issues on all media and on street corners. The Green Party has the solutions, knowledge and the will to enact the changes needed.

“Solving problems is my forte – troubleshooting – from events to presentations, for young and old. I’ve been brave enough to try new ideas but equally pulled together others who have the expertise to create a great team and get things done (voluntary/third sector, schools, NGOs, lobbying groups, policing and antisocial behaviour, community groups).

“As a passionate advocate for democracy and a regular on protest marches and peaceful direct action, from Stop The Incinerator to Westminster.”

Steve Kelleher – Social Democratic Party

“I grew up on the Rockingham Estate in Bermondsey. I have had two successful careers, firstly as a trader and salesman in the City where I helped build international currency and interest rate trading businesses.

“Since 2005 I founded Alphaprobe to consult and recruit for start-up businesses attracted to London – the financial capital of the world. In 2020, I was awarded my Freedom of the City. I am a father of five, a local youth cricket coach, a lead singer in a rock band and a very bad dancer.

“The SDP are the best-placed party to challenge this corrupt, two-party, nothing-ever-changes system. We lean left on the economy but are culturally traditional.

“Vote for me and I will build 50,000 council houses a year by 2024 with local Londoners top of the list. I will give free travel to everyone in the three years running up to their 25th birthday and I will put 10,000 officers back on the neighbourhood beat and take politics out of policing.”

Atif Abdul Rashid – Workers Party

“My dear fellow residents, I am honoured to be nominated as the candidate of Workers Party in the upcoming general elections for the constituency of Carshalton & Wallington. It will be an honour for me to serve my area and community. Being local resident, I am aware of issues and problems of local community.

“The Workers Party advocates for fairness in society and education for all. Unfortunately, many children cannot afford university education, and fresh graduates are burdened with sky-high student loans.

“Economic conditions make it difficult for the working class to pursue education. Additionally, the health system, especially St Helier NHS Trust, faces challenges with long waiting times in Accident and Emergency and a broken appointment system.

“Small businesses struggle due to economic turmoil, exacerbated by high energy costs. The Workers Party proposes nationalising electricity providers to support both domestic and business consumers.

“Despite the cost of living crisis, electricity companies continue to enjoy hefty profits. The party also stands firmly for peace and harmony globally, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and a return to normalcy in Ukraine.”

Hersh Thaker – Labour

“I am honoured to be standing as the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Carshalton and Wallington. Only a Labour government can deliver the change needed to invest in the NHS, fix our broken railways, protect our natural environment, and ensure our children get the best start in life.

“These are Labour’s priorities, these are my priorities, and these are the priorities of hardworking families across Carshalton and Wallington. For me, this election isn’t just about securing a win for our party; it’s about ensuring our country gets the serious leadership it needs to protect our public services, natural environment, and the future of our young people.

“My roots in public service run deep; my partner works as a psychologist in the NHS, my father has dedicated 20 years to the postal service, my mother is a care worker, and I served as a governor for over ten years. Coming from a family committed to public service, I understand first-hand the challenges faced on the front lines.

“I have run my own businesses and have dedicated much of my professional career to working in the energy industry, building products to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. I have experience in managing complexity in large organisations, leveraging technology to improve services, and ensuring every pound spent delivered value-for-money outcomes.

“I know how to get things done, and as the MP for Carshalton and Wallington I will focus on delivering value-for-money outcomes. Rebuilding St Helier Hospital, safer streets, fit-for-purpose housing, well-funded public services, and investing in a clean energy future— As your MP, I will focus on delivering value-for-money outcomes for you locally and nationally."