Cllr Thompson: Why Hounslow deserves better leadership

Councillor Peter Thompson, who represents Chiswick Riverside and is the Leader of Hounslow Conservatives, discusses the upcoming local elections and the choice facing residents in this week’s column.

In just over 80 days, millions of Londoners will head to polling stations in schools and halls, or will have already sent in their postal ballots, to choose who runs their boroughs. By the early hours of 8th May, thousands of candidates across London will find out if their months of hard work and conversations on doorsteps have paid off.

This local contest is happening while Labour faces serious problems in Westminster. Sir Keir Starmer has spent recent weeks moving from one crisis to another, losing senior advisers and leading a cabinet that seems unsure and uncomfortable. The government, which was elected on a promise of ‘change’, now appears distracted, defensive, and divided.

This national situation is starting to look a lot like what we see from Labour here in Hounslow. Instead of being different from the problems in Westminster, Labour in Hounslow shows the same issues: slow decisions, poor communication, not taking responsibility, and refusing to listen. The same drift and defensiveness we see in Downing Street are also present in how our borough is managed.

Local elections are often seen as a way to respond to national issues, and this year is no exception. Many residents may want to send Sir Keir Starmer a message about his government’s problems. But it’s also important to remember that who runs Hounslow matters too. Decisions about our streets, council tax, local services, clean pavements, and safe neighborhoods are made here in Hounslow House, not in Westminster. In most areas of this borough, the choice is clear. Labour runs Hounslow now, and in many wards, the Conservatives are the only real alternative. Voting for smaller parties or independents might feel good, but it usually means Labour stays in power. Simply put, in much of Hounslow, voting for anyone else is likely to keep Labour in charge. We will share a clear, positive plan during the local elections. Labour’s management of the Lampton Group has raised real concerns about transparency, governance, and value for money. What was once called a model of local enterprise now often seems like a risky experiment with residents’ money. We promise to provide fiscal responsibility and clear accountability.

Weeds and leaves have been left unattended. We promise to take care of street maintenance before problems build up, instead of making excuses. Transport policy has often split communities with scattered e-bike programs, unpopular traffic schemes, and floating bus stops. We will base our decisions on evidence and offer genuine consultation.

Conservatives across Hounslow are working hard, delivering leaflets and knocking on doors. May 7 will be a test for both Starmer and Labour here in Hounslow. Leadership should mean accountability and results, both in Downing Street and in Hounslow House. At the moment, Labour is offering neither.

So, residents have two choices: send a message to Keir Starmer and decide who will run Hounslow. If you want both national accountability and better local government, the best way to do that is to support Conservative candidates and give Hounslow a real chance to improve.