Residents across Richmond Borough will take to the polls on Thursday, 7 May to decide their local councillors for the next four years.

All 54 seats of Richmond Council are up for grabs across all 18 local government wards.

Nub News has reached out to every party standing candidates in the Teddington ward, asking for a short statement about their policies and why locals should vote for them.

This is what they said:

Richard Baker - Liberal Democrats

Richard Baker has lived in Teddington for over forty years, where he raised his family and served as a councillor.

Professionally, he worked in corporate banking, and in his spare time enjoys watching rugby and cricket.

Richard is passionate about local politics and wants to be re-elected to continue supporting his community.

During his first term, he was Business Spokesperson and served on Planning, Transport, Finance, Policy and Resources Committees. 

Charlie Engel - Liberal Democrats

Having been raised locally and lived in the borough for thirty-nine years, Charlie Engel is committed to working for the community he has known all his life.

Charlie is particularly keen to hold the Housing Associations to account, and achieving fair and dignified living conditions for Teddington's residents. 

Charlie works in Higher Education, and is passionate about student welfare. He also holds season tickets to Harlequins. 

Phil Giesler - Liberal Democrats

Phil Giesler has lived in Teddington for ten years, after an industrial career that took him to Milan and San Francisco.

He values Teddington's close-knit community and openness to new ideas.

Phil has been the council's Business Lead for four years and is proud of its support for local high streets during challenging times.

He is excited about the future, with the Growth Plan set to revitalise the borough. 

Phulmaya Bhusal - Green Party

I'm an artist with a background in social science and public policy, and I believe there is too much complacency in the LibDem-run Council right now.

They aren't moving quickly enough on what matters most, like meaningful climate action, social welfare, and affordable housing for everyone.

Unlike other parties, the Greens are not in hock to big business and vested interests.

As a grassroots movement, every decision we make centres genuine community interests.

Ken Denaro - Green Party

I've lived in Teddington for over 30 years. The Greens are the Official Opposition, and I'm standing because we need more Green voices to hold the Lib Dems to account.

We need to push them further and faster on social housing and net zero.

We'd also reverse the terrible decision to scrap the allotments on Shacklegate Lane.

Passionate about climate justice and social justice; in order to achieve the first, you need the second.

Eddie Thorne - Green Party

I work in a charity helping adults with learning disabilities and want to fight for a more humane society that takes care of the vulnerable and marginalised.

I believe protecting the local environment is essential to safeguarding our communities.

The Greens are committed to renationalising water companies and providing genuine opposition to Thames Water's destructive sewage pump.

I have a vision for a political system that enacts positive change rather than fuelling resentment and division.

James Dylan Thomson - Labour Party

Volunteering at Ruils Independent Living in Teddington. He is the Disability Officer for Twickenham Labour Party.

He is a member of The Teddington Society and Tedcare. Currently, he is putting pressure on the council to build a Changing Places Toilet for the Borough.

James also supports saving the Shacklegate Lane Allotments and believes that it is essential for the wellbeing of the people of Teddington to have these secure.

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