Sutton Conservatives are pleased to announce Neil Garratt as our candidate for the Belmont by-election. Neil lives in Sutton with his wife Cate and their three children. Neil’s background is in IT and project management, he’s a regular volunteer at St Helier hospital, and enjoys running, cycling and playing the saxophone.
He already has experience as a Councillor in Sutton, where he proved adept at navigating the system to get a result for residents.
Neil said: “Belmont is a great place to live, work and raise a family, but the area is facing problems, such as parking, traffic and planning concerns. If elected, I will work with Councillor David Hicks, Councillor Jane Pascoe and Paul Scully MP to continue their great work on these issues.
“We will continue to fight for sensible planning decisions that protect the area’s special local character.
“Building on the success of getting more trains to Belmont station, we will work to make sure that any Council plans for the Sutton Hospital site include the right infrastructure to cope with the increased footfall, including better transport options and a solution to the Brighton Road / Chiltern Road junction and the traffic in Downs Road.
“We will work with you to ensure that when the Council begins its parking strategy consultation in Belmont, we get the best deal possible for local motorists and residents."
Experienced Belmont Councillor David Hicks said, "Having worked with Patrick McManus for more than 4 years we were sad to learn of his need to resign. Patrick worked very hard on behalf of the residents of Belmont and we thank him for his service to his community.
"I am delighted that Neil is willing to fill the vacancy. I worked with Neil during his term as a councillor in Sutton, he was closely involved in our work scrutinising the plans for the Sutton Hospital site, fighting for proper transport planning, as well as tackling problems with the refuse collection and street cleaning.”
Cllr Jane Pascoe agreed, "Neil really understands the major issues in Belmont and how to get things done by the Council, so we are looking forward to him joining the team working on your behalf here in Belmont. He has already begun meeting residents on the doorstep and is looking forward to working with representatives of the residents associations to address some of the issues across the area.
"With his knowledge of local issues and his understanding of the workings of the Council, we know he will make a great councillor for residents in Belmont."
For a strong local councillor that you can trust, please vote for Neil Garratt in the Belmont by-election on Thursday 25th October 2018.
If you are going to be away for Polling Day, there is still time to sign up to vote by post or get a proxy vote so someone else can vote on your behalf. You can find the application forms below.