As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to wish our members and all residents of Redbridge a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This festive season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future, and it’s an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate all that we hold dear.
2024 has been a year of challenges. The joy at securing the return of Keith Prince as our GLA AM and Sir Iain Duncan Smith as MP for Chingford was tempered by Labour winning the election with the smallest share of the vote in recent times, yet a near-record majority. It is scant consolation that after a series of errors and disasters, they have slumped in the polls and the scales have lifted from voters' eyes. Pensioners, WASPI women, employers—indeed the whole country—are aghast at what they have done. But this is the season of goodwill, so I will save my vituperation for 2025.
We have witnessed the incredible spirit of our community in action, whether through the tireless efforts of our volunteers, the success of local charity drives, or the countless acts of kindness that remind us of the strength and resilience of Redbridge. One particularly heartwarming moment for me was seeing so many of you come together to support our Christmas cake initiative for Haven House Children's Hospice. Your generosity and participation exemplify the very best of our borough.
As Leader of the Conservative Group, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the past year, but I’m also acutely aware of the work still ahead. 2025 brings with it the promise of new opportunities, an election in 2026, and my commitment to each of you remains steadfast. We’ll continue to tackle the challenges we face, support local residents and businesses, enhance community services, advocate for policies, and hold this disastrous, torpid Redbridge Labour council to account.
This Christmas, let us take time to cherish our loved ones, reach out to those who may be alone, and reflect on the positive moments of the year gone by. As we welcome 2025, I’m optimistic that together we can build an even brighter future for Redbridge.
On behalf of myself and the Conservative Group, I wish you and your families a joyous Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.
