Allan Edwards PIP candidate for Hadleigh
Hear from Allan Edwards on what he’s delivered for Castle Point — and what he’ll fight for at Essex County Council.
Read Allan's election statement
A STRONG, EXPERIENCED, VOICE FOR CASTLE POINT When I see something going wrong, something that does not make sense, or unfairness I ask questions and speak up. I stood for council in 2021 when I saw the national parties were not representing the views of Castle Point Residents - thier proposals to destroy Castle Point’s green belt had to be challenged. DELIVERING LOCALLY, READY FOR COUNTY Since my election to Castle Point Borough Council in May 2022 I have consistently focussed on representing local people and building a better council. I have: Spoken consistently to protect green belt sites at planning meetings and backed our local plan which includes zero green belt development. Worked actively on the Audit and Governance, and Scrutiny committees to shape our policies and ensure we run a modern, effective, efficient council - most recently on controlling HMOs and the secure use of technology. Driven delivery of an empty homes policy to return properties into use reducing the pressure on local housing demand. As the Chair of the Standards Committee I am helping ensure we councillors continue to work ethically. Chairing the Climate Policy & Scrutiny Sub-Committee I am working to make the council and our borough operate more sustainably. HOLDING ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL TO ACCOUNT We can all see things going wrong at Essex County Council: Our roads are falling apart. Patching one pothole at a time following inspection after inspection, is not working for Castle Point. Our world class mountain bike track, our Olympic legacy, is overgrown, rotting and unusable. Not the economy boosting asset it should be. Our SEND children’s assessment delays remain among the worst in the UK, despite recent investment. Our roads are full, as bus services are again being cut. It is time to speak out, before these get baked into the new government structures coming to Essex. It is time to vote local, to stand up for Castle Point residents against the national parties. I’ve already shown I’m willing and able to: ✔ Question policies and processes ✔ Suggest new approaches ✔ Pursue what residents need and want I believe we in Hadleigh, Daws Heath and Thundersley need a strong voice in Essex County Council, free of ties to national politics, to: So please, trust me with your vote on May the 7th. VOTE ALLAN EDWARDS To gain a voice in Essex for all of Hadleigh Division — Daws Heath, Hadleigh and Thundersley. Standing up for Castle Point — every time.
Local Government Reorganisation explained
ESSEX LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION (LGR) What’s changing — and why it matters to you WHAT IS LGR? Fewer councils. More power. Essex is moving from a two-tier system (County + Borough Councils) to a smaller number of large unitary councils that will run all local services. These will control: Roads & potholes Social care Planning Waste & environment WHY THIS MATTERS These changes will affect your: Local services Council tax Roads & infrastructure Local representation These decisions will shape Castle Point for years to come. YOUR VOTE WAS CANCELLED In 2025, the Essex County Council elections were cancelled, in agreement with the Conservative administration and the Labour Government. This meant: No public vote No fresh mandate During this time, major long-term decisions about Essex were pushed forward. TWO VERY DIFFERENT OPTIONS OPTION 1: 3 LARGE COUNCILS (Conservative-backed) Castle Point would have been merged with: Basildon Thurrock Rochford Southend RISKS: Decisions made further away Loss of Castle Point identity Greater financial risk from other areas Less accountability to residents OPTION 2: 5 LOCAL COUNCILS (PIP-backed) Castle Point would join: Rochford Southend BENEFITS: Decisions closer to local people Protects Castle Point’s identity Lower financial risk More manageable, local governance Better reflects our communities WHERE WE ARE NOW The Government has confirmed it will move forward with the 5-unitary model. This is the approach supported by PIP. ONGOING CONCERNS The Conservative leadership at Essex County Council has indicated it may take legal action to try to force the 3-unitary model. WHAT THIS MEANS These decisions are not fully settled. Castle Point still needs strong local representation to ensure our voice is heard. PIP POSITION Keep decisions local Protect Castle Point’s identity Avoid unnecessary financial risk Put residents before party politics IN SIMPLE TERMS 3-unitary model: Bigger councils Decisions further away Higher risk 5-unitary model: More local councils Decisions closer to you Better accountability The future of Castle Point should be decided by the people who live here — not imposed from above.
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