Phil Ruck – H.R.A Candidate for Cranham

The Havering Daily is running a list of the different candidates across Havering in preparation for the local elections on May 5.

Today we have Phil Ruck who is an H.R.A Candidate for Cranham ward.

Some might ask why I have put myself forward as a candidate in the forthcoming local elections for the Havering Residents Association (HRA)? I hope this answers the question.

I have been a member of the Residents Association for many years and admired the tremendous efforts of all Resident Association councillors who have battled for equality and justice for all in Havering.

Many do not see the tireless work that hardworking councillors have put in. Oscar Ford and myself are honoured to join them.

BUT, after we have had a dismal Tory administration for 20 years, you have to take a stand. A stand against arrogance, against personal ambition, and against power over what is just and best for the community we live in.

I worked for over 42 years, the last four as Chief Executive of a local council. Like you, I have seen how the quest for power can become the ultimate goal at great cost to those who live in the community that they serve.

With this current Tory administration, the examples of poor judgement/outcomes are sadly too many. Expensive cabinet posts awarded to ward off leadership challenges, the Leader, Damian White, threatening to take to court anyone who dares to repeat the accusations surrounding “BoundaryGate”, are just some.

The current Tory administration in Havering is best summed up by the following quote by Aldous Huxley:

“All democracies are based on the proposition that power is very dangerous and that it is extremely important not to let any one person or small group have too much power for too long a time.”

It is time for change. Time to give authority to those who do not seek power for personal ambition but wish to create a community that cares, that understands the needs of those they represent.

The old order needs to give way to the new. Let us not be bound by the politics and the avarice of Westminster, as represented by the current Tory administration. Let’s create a community and environment that we can be proud of. A Havering that attracts people to live and work here and protects the vulnerable.

Just ask yourself, what has 20 years of a tired and power-hungry Tory administration given us?

I have seen what the HRA wants to do. I have seen the care and humility amongst my HRA colleagues that is needed to lead. This is why I am standing.

It is time for change, make it happen.

Vote for the HRA

Phil Ruck