After twelve years as a Croydon councillor, I gave my valedictory speech reflecting on what public service has meant to me, from the smallest pieces of casework to the moments that stay with you for life.
It has been an immense privilege to serve the community where I was born, to work alongside dedicated colleagues, and to play a small part in Croydon’s story. While I am stepping away from my role on the Council, I will always care deeply about Croydon’s future.
Thank you, Chair.
Twelve years ago, one of my very first pieces of casework involved a rather unexpected challenge at Coulsdon Community Centre - trying to sort out mould in the insulation caused, I’m told, by sweat droplets from particularly enthusiastic Zumba classes. It was, frankly, disgusting, but of course it mattered to the people using that space - and it needed fixing.
One of my last major pieces of casework involved securing a new 25-year lease for the very same Community Centre. Something that will serve the community long after we’ve all moved on - including their centenary year in 2035.
Those two examples, to me, sum up what being a councillor is all about.
A lot has changed over the past twelve years. There have been moments of real personal significance - like being part of the leadership team that helped take my Group from opposition into administration, and standing in Croydon Central in 2019, for which I remain grateful to Gavin Barwell and Chris Philp for their support and mentorship.
And there have been moments that remind you just how human this place is - like when Councillor Kabir, as Civic Mayor, paused a virtual council meeting during the pandemic to congratulate me on the birth of my twins. Those are the moments that stay with you.
I’ve been proud to follow in the footsteps of David Osland, who gave 24 years of service to this borough, and to work alongside fantastic ward colleagues over the years - Jeet Bains, Luke Clancy, Ian Parker and Luke Shortland. I wish my successor every success in continuing that work.
Three minutes is not long enough to thank those deserving, but I’m also grateful to the voters and the councillors who placed their trust in me and gave me the opportunity to serve, including former Leader Tim Pollard and Mayor Jason Perry. Public service is exactly that - service. We may disagree, sometimes strongly, but I believe everyone in this chamber is here because they want to make things better.
None of us do this alone. I want to thank my family for their constant support over the years. And above all, my wife Amy, who I met through the party - is far more patient than I deserve - and our precocious, twins, who have grown up alongside this role. I simply could not have done this without them.
This role demands optimism - a belief that tomorrow can be better than today. We’re here because we believe that if you roll your sleeves up and get involved, you can make a difference.
Over the years, I’ve had my share of both fair and unfair criticism. It comes with the territory. But I would say this to everyone who remains: keep going. Focus on what you believe is right. Work with others where you can. Build consensus where possible. And don’t let the noise distract you from the job in hand.
No one knows what the future composition of this council will be. But whatever it is, the responsibility remains the same: to serve residents with integrity and determination.
Croydon is the place I was born. It’s given me more than I could ever repay. And while I may be stepping away from this role, I will always care deeply about its future - and I’ll be cheering you all on from the outside.
Thank you, and goodbye.
