An ex-Lib Dem councillor candidate in Dulwich Village has said he will support the Conservatives in the local elections.
Raghav Parkash, who came sixth in Dulwich Village in 2022 with 11 per cent of the vote, has announced his intention to support the Conservatives in this May’s local elections.
Explaining his decision, Parkash said: “When I stood in 2022, national politics inevitably influenced the result.
“But what struck me on the doorstep was how strongly residents care about Dulwich’s unique character and having councillors who take real responsibility for representing it.”
It is understood that Parkash resigned from the party following the 2022 election result and joined the Conservatives in 2023.
Praising the Conservative candidates in the ward, Clive Rates and Tristan Honeybourne, both of whom stood in 2022 and ranked fourth and fifth place respectively with 12 per cent of the vote each, he went on: “Local politics is ultimately about who is best placed to speak up for the community and get things done.
“I believe Clive and Tristan are best suited to ensure Dulwich’s voice is heard clearly at Borough level.”
Labour councillors Margy Newens and Richard Leeming swept to victory in Dulwich Village ward in 2022, winning both seats with 23 and 21 per cent of votes respectively.
Lib Dem candidate Richard Wingfield came third with 12 per cent of votes cast, 789 short of winning a seat and less than 100 votes ahead of the two Conservative candidates.
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Conservative candidate Clive Rates said: “We both care deeply about Dulwich. This is about putting the interests of our community first – supporting local businesses, keeping our streets safe, and making sure residents are properly listened to.”
Tristan Honeyborne added: “Dulwich Village has a strong sense of identity and community spirit. It’s encouraging to see people from different political backgrounds recognising that what matters most is effective local representation. We’re grateful for Raghav’s support and look forward to continuing to work positively for residents across the ward.”
Playing down Parkash’s decision, Richard Wingfield, Liberal Democrat candidate for Dulwich Village said: “The Conservatives are out of the race in Dulwich Village. They came third here last time and have not elected councillors anywhere in Southwark for over a decade.
“What we are hearing on the doorstep loud and clear is that people don’t want to vote Conservative after the disaster of years of Tory Government.
“The Liberal Democrats are working hard in Dulwich to put residents first, campaigning on the things that matter to people locally.
“We are the only ones who can challenge this failing Labour administration, and the choice couldn’t be clearer. After May, the council will be led by either the Labour Party or the Liberal Democrats – and residents can choose to fix Southwark by voting for the Liberal Democrats in Dulwich Village in May.”
