Philip Mutton is the right choice for Cosford

Out and about with Philip

Now that the County Council elections are only a few days away it is time to get political, and, as the sitting County Councillor for Cosford Division, to express my wholehearted endorsement for Philip Mutton,  the Conservative Candidate.

I have got to know Philip well over the last few months, and have been really impressed by his enthusiasm, energy and mature commitment.   Selected late (not his fault!), and also having to work for his living,  he has worked incredibly hard both to learn about and to get around the Cosford Division.  This has not been easy, since the area is huge, comprising 18 parishes and stretching from Cockfield in the North to Aldham and Elmsett in the South.  I have been lending a hand by delivering leaflets in and around Monks Eleigh, and also will be working in Cockfield tomorrow.

Refreshingly Philip is far from a stereotypical County Councillor, which is all to the good.  In his mid twenties, he is Suffolk born and bred.  Very approachable and friendly and a good communicator,  Philip works in Ipswich, and now lives in Chelsworth in the heart of the Division.  I know that from this local base he thinks that it is important to maintain my good record of Parish Council attendance, which is an effective way to meet local residents and to keep a close eye on problems and issues in the community as they arise.  A good listener, Philip has also committed to holding local surgeries.

Philip's interests focus on education, the economy (with emphasis on sustainable development) and social care.  With his forward looking and hard working approach I believe that he will make an excellent councillor, and will bring a fresh perspective to the challenging issues that the Council faces.

I will conclude with a couple of important points about party politics.  Firstly,  although in theory it should not matter what political party a councillor represents when it comes to speaking up for residents and resolving issues in the community, there is no doubt that it is a big advantage to be part of a large, or preferably the largest, grouping at the Council.  As part of a large group, you have the support of a large number of fellow councillors and you also have more power to influence policy and decision making.

 Having said that, my second point is that it is vital to leave party politics and ideology out of work in the community.  Once elected a councillor should  represent all residents, regardless of their political persuasion, and approach all problems in a clear eyed and open minded way.   I know that Philip understands this, and I am confident that he is the right person to represent Cosford at the County Council over the next four years.