Councillor Greg Stafford

In my first column for the Gazette just after last year's local elections I warned of the dangers to democracy of the increased Labour majority on Ealing Council. I raised the concern that a reduced opposition would lead to complacency by Labour and a disregard of the electorate; the residents of Ealing.

My fears, I'm sorry to say, have not only been confirmed but in fact surpassed. The Labour councillors voted to increase their own salaries and increase the number of paid positions for their cronies. They have made savage cuts to local services, such as street cleaning and rubbish collection and decimated the voluntary sector, impacting on the most vulnerable (even though many of these will increase cost to the council in the long run).

The Labour leader on the council continues to believe that is that it is acceptable to live in social rented housing, subsidised by the taxpayer whilst owning £1 million house in the next road which he has rented out for profit. Not a single Labour councillor, or local Labour MP or GLA member has uttered a word in rebuke about this morally indefensible act. No one in Labour will challenge him and nothing appears to make him apologise or give up that house.

This is one reason why at the general election and the council by-election in Northfield ward, I urge you to vote Conservative. Even if you've always voted Labour, I know that you, like me, are disgusted by the behaviour of our local Labour politicians.

If they knock on your door during this election campaign ask them whether they think the Labour leader's behaviour is acceptable; ask why they have said nothing; ask why they insisted on raising their own salaries at the expense of local services. Their answers will not be convincing.

Local Conservatives at all levels in Ealing have a track record of hard work, honesty and integrity. You may not have agreed with every decision we make but we don't aim to feather our own nests.

The local choice this election is between hypocrisy and self interest and honesty and hard work.

With your help we will continue to challenge and fight for the residents of Ealing. This May, don't let Labour continue to get away with it.