A full list of candidates has been announced ahead of the Hampton North byelection, taking place next Thursday 18 January. 

Residents will take to the polls to vote for one of five councillors, across different parties, to be the ward's representative in the council. 

Polling stations are located at Teddington Library and Elleray Hall; remember to bring Voter ID.

Labour candidate. (Photo: Supplied)

Sam Cullen, Labour candidate 

First up, Mr Cullen believes the byelection is "an opportunity to get proper and effective alternative representation on the council", as well as having a "proper opposition and accountability" for Richmond.

Primarily a transport planner, as well as a freelance writer, Mr Cullen said he always approaches every role with a keen eye to detail, keeping on top of things and trying drive forward improvement for change. He said he is experienced in liaising closely with links across varying organisation, working with both internal and external communications. "These are the skills important for councillors," he said. "There's a lot to answer for on different briefs, people to engage and work with, and people you have to collaborate with [on different issues."

If successful, Mr Cullen said he would be a proactive and engaged councillor, reaching out to community groups as well as "finding the voices which are not being heard". Mr Cullen said he would "mak[e] sure [residents] are not neglected or taken for granted by the ruling Liberal Democrat administration."

key opportunity for someone to hold council to accouint- to be the criticial friend, askingthoe se questions which may not be asked. important for democracy.

One cause he is passionate about is transport: Mr Cullen said he is "really keen from the get-go" to work closely with the local community to make sure they are getting the reliable bus service that works for them, and gets them around to other parts of the borough. He added he wants more local active travel like walking and cycle routes- which are properly maintained by the Lib Dem council.

Danielle Coleman (centre). (Photo: Richmond and Twickenham Greens)

Danielle Coleman, Green candidate

Believing that the Green Party has strong policies for both people and planet, Ms Coleman said she wants to serve the community of Hampton North and "do what I can to make life better and resolve existing problems"

Having lived in the borough of Richmond for 17 years and brought up two children here, Ms Coleman said she is passionate about the local area and "making it as good as it can be". Professionally, Ms Coleman has taken communication and organisational roles, as well as translator amongst other positions. She added: "I have experience as chair of a local community group that works on projects to benefit the environment and quality of life. These include gardening, community allotments, repair and makerspace projects, among others."

Ms Coleman's three main priorities for Hampton North is to focus on more affordable housing, expanding the facilities and services available to families and young people, and improving air quality and public transport and cycling and walking opportunities. She added: "I would also like to ask Hampton North residents to put forward their own priorities and ideas, and then work to make these happen."

Nupur Majumdar with departed Cllr Geoffrey Samuel. (Photo: Twickenham Conservatives)

Nupur Majumdar, Conservative candidate

A working mum with two kids, Ms Majumdar believes Hampton is a lovely place to raise them. However, she explained that she has witnessed the area "deteriorating" and said : "It breaks my heart."

Speaking on local issues, Ms Majumdar said: "The pavements and roads are a disgrace. Even when the Council fixes them, the repairs are shoddy and have to be done again. There's rubbish everywhere, and Tangley Park recycling centre is plagued with fly-tipping." She added anti-social behaviour and theft are on the rise.

Campaigning to bring a replacement pharmacy in Tangley Park- which has recently closed, causing problems for the elderly and disabled- Ms Majumdar has started a petition (which residents can sign).

Another cause Ms Majumdar is passionate about is air pollution. She said: "I am also TOTALLY against the ULEZ expansion. There are better ways to clean London's air, that don't involve bankrupting the less well-off and small businesses in this area."

Ms Majumdar said these local issues led her to stand for the by-electiom. She added: "I hope to be chosen to carry on the hard work of our dear departed Councillor Geoffrey Samuel [...] His dedication to public service and Hampton North are my inspiration. I will keep Geoffrey's legacy alive."

Carey Anne Leuw Bishop. (Photo: Twickenham Lib Dems)

Carey Anne Leuw Bishop, Lib Dem candidate

Representing the Lib Dems, currently the majority in council is Ms Bishop. She co-runs a family-owned management company called Wilrose Environmental. Ms Bishop Carey believes in waste reduction and increasing simple recycling. As a former Magistrate she said she cares deeply about reducing crime in Hampton North. She has been endorsed by Cllr Julia Cambridge (Lib Dem) for her agenda of safer local streets and fighting for a new pharmacy.

At the time of writing, Twickenham Lib Dems have not responded to request for comment.

----

A byelection was called after the passing of Geoffrey Samual (10 November 2023), the previous Conservative councillor for the ward. 

Teddington Nub News will bring you commentary and the results next week.