Dulwich and West Norwood Conservative Association today announces its two candidates to contest Dulwich Wood ward at the May 2022 local elections.
Lindsay Chathli (pictured right) and Peter Heaton-Jones (pictured left) have been selected by local Conservative Party members to stand for election.
Peter brings huge experience, having represented residents at all levels of government over many years. Peter is a former Member of Parliament, Councillor and school governor. His links to Dulwich go back nearly thirty years, but work and family commitments have seen him live around the country and abroad. Peter has returned to live in Dulwich and wants to use his experience to serve fellow local residents as one of their Southwark Borough Councillors. Before moving into politics, Peter was a journalist and broadcaster.
Lindsay has lived in Dulwich Wood since 2006 and in Peckham before that. Mother-of-two Lindsay is a firm believer in community. She started a Neighbourhood Watch group in her road a few years ago, and WhatsApp group in 2020 so neighbours could keep in touch during the pandemic and beyond. Professionally, she is a public relations writer who, in her spare time, enjoys badminton, reading and keeping company with her three-legged, highly energetic rescue cat, Oreo.
Together, Peter and Lindsay will be campaigning to:
- Fight to end the road closures in Dulwich, and have a proper local plan for transport and the environment. The “Low Traffic Neighbourhood” schemes have had a negative knock-on effect in Dulwich Wood, clogging up roads and causing more pollution on many roads in the area.
- Challenge Labour on how public money is being spent. Labour-run Southwark has increased council tax bills year after year, without proper scrutiny. Peter and Lindsay will focus on ensuring value for money.
- Listen to residents, whatever their views, and be a strong voice for the Dulwich Wood community. Residents often complained they are ignored by their local Labour Councillors. Lindsay and Peter will work hard to represent all fellow Dulwich Wood residents.
Peter Heaton-Jones said: “It was a huge honour to be an MP, and before that a Borough and Parish Councillor. When I stood down from Parliament, I always knew I would return to politics one day. My recent move to live back here in Dulwich has made me realise this is the time. I’ll do what I’ve always done over the years: run a positive, local campaign focused on what we need as a community. I know we can do better in Dulwich, and I’ll use all my experience to make that a reality”.
Lindsay Chathli said, “We are a great place full of great people. However, sandwiched between the Village and the ‘happening’ end of East Dulwich, we sometimes feel a bit abandoned. We’ve got some good shops, but I’d like to see the Council improving facilities for residents and businesses here. I will fight to end the road closures in Dulwich, and work hard to unite the community behind a joined-up plan for transport and the environment.”
Irene Kimm, Chair, Dulwich and West Norwood Conservative Association, said, “We are delighted to have two excellent, local candidates for Dulwich Wood.
“Labour faces little to no opposition in Southwark and their conduct in forcing undemocratic road closures through and their waste of public money shows the impact of their ‘one party state’ mentality. Peter and Lindsay have the experience and local knowledge to properly challenge Labour and hold the Council to account.
“Lindsay and Peter will make excellent councillors. We are looking forward to running a positive campaign in Dulwich Wood, focused on local people.”
