Elections to Elmbridge Borough Council take place on 7 May and candidates are getting ready to make their pitches.
In Molesey East ward, Xingang Wang is hoping to improve on his strong second place last year. He grew up in Northern China and moved to the UK 20 years ago to study. He became a British Citizen and has enjoyed a career as a transport planner and accountant. He is married with three children and also volunteers as a Magistrate in Staines.
Xingang said: "Last year's local elections were tough for the Conservatives due to the government’s difficulties on Brexit. This time I am confident the focus will be much more on local issues, as they should be. I’m looking forward to meeting residents in East Molesey and discussing how I can be of help."
Agnes Fuchs will be representing the Conservatives in West Molesey, where she lives with her husband and two children. She is originally from Budapest and has been working in a children’s nursery in Hampton since moving to the UK.
She said: "I love living in West Molesey. For me it is calm and green, with welcoming people. I want to improve local amenities for young people and widen the appeal of the Molesey Centre."
Molesey councillor Steve Bax said: "We’ve got two great candidates from widely different backgrounds and with different experiences, but both are hugely committed to the community and delivering for Molesey. I can’t wait to work with them if they are elected."
Elmbridge Conservatives will be fielding a full slate of candidates in all 16 wards. The stakes are high this year - either we elect a Conservative administration to balance the books and implement a fair plan to meet future housing need without sacrificing the green belt, or we continue with the fiscally irresponsible eight party 'coalition of chaos'. Please email [email protected] to talk about how you can help our campaigning.