MEET Emma Marshall, a local councillor and mother of four in Redditch who explains why it’s so important for conservatives to get out and vote on Thursday (May 2) at the local elections.
By Emma Marshall / Submitted by ConservativePost.
I have always had a keen interest in politics, but like many others, I was unsure of how or where to start getting involved.
For me, my story began when I was setting up a community Orchard and was asked if I would consider running for a Councillor position.
At first I dismissed it but then I was asked again, and then again. My husband encouraged me to go for it and here I am.
I wasn’t sure at all If I had the necessary qualifications, skills or experience needed to fulfil such an important role. Although, having gone through tough times myself, I wanted to support others facing challenges. In 2010, I found myself homeless, jobless, and raising two young children. After enduring a violent relationship, it took me years to recover emotionally and financially.
Conservative Councillor Emma Marshall (centre).
While governments can’t prevent bad things from happening, I believe having dedicated advocates who uplift those in need is crucial. It turns out that this drive coupled with life experience is exactly the qualifications someone needs to be a successful Councillor.
I also have a strong desire to make our world better, even if it is only by improving a small part of it. I consider myself an environmentalist with a practical approach. I believe balancing nature conservation without compromising our well-being is essential. As a Councillor, I work on sensible plans to reduce carbon emissions without burdening taxpayers.
For residents, navigating different levels of Government can be complex. Essentially people simply want to know that they can contact someone and get the help they need. At a local level, I can be more hands-on than an MP, albeit without the same salary. Whilst I can’t influence national policies or oversee the police or NHS I can be very effective on delivering local projects and schemes.
As Borough Councillor I have been able to support local organisations and charities, influence where playground provision is placed and ensure that maintenance issues are dealt with in a timely manner. I have been honoured to have helped women fleeing from domestic violence ensuring they got all the support they needed. I have pushed for more tree planting and increased EV charging infrastructure across the town whilst also supporting schemes to increase biodiversity and insulate homes to save residents money.
Despite my dedication and countless hours of service, I face a challenging election on the 2nd May. It’s important to note that the difficulty isn’t due to my actions or because other candidates are more capable or even because of local issues. Instead it’s because of voter apathy towards local elections and the desire to send a broader message to Rishi Sunak and the national party.
Thumbs up for Cllr Emma Marshall (left) after a rocky road was smoothed over thanks to an intervention from the Redditch councillor. Photo credit: Redditch Standard
Conservative-led councils like mine demonstrate sound financial management, contrasting with examples of rising taxes in other areas. Just look at Birmingham Council who are having to raise council tax by 20% over 2 years. Whereas my Conservative run Council is putting money into reserves. In fact we are able to pledge a Council Tax freeze for 2025 if elected.
Your local councillors who are there for you when you need them now need you to be there for them. If you want sensible policies and less potholes, then look no further than your local Conservatives. I bet you they will be pleased to have someone offer to deliver some leaflets for them so they can knock on more doors.
“To fellow Conservatives, I urge you not to let the council slip from capable hands due to factors beyond its control.”
To fellow Conservatives, I urge you not to let the council slip from capable hands due to factors beyond its control. Local councillors work for your benefit and need your support. Engage with candidates, understand their plans, and consider getting involved to ensure sensible governance and community improvements. Each area has an association which is run purely by volunteers, the life blood of our party.
I am trying to be optimistic that residents will acknowledge my commitment and hard work over the past three years and vote based on local issues rather than national sentiments. I know though that next week many dedicated Councillors will face repercussions for matters they were not involved in.
There will be many good Councillors punished this May for cake they never ate and for decisions they had no part of. If we are to save the Conservative party, we must start from the bottom up.
Follow Conservative Councillor Emma Marshall on Twitter here.
Submitted by Claire Bullivant, first published on the Conservative Post.
