After Mr Rosindell’s Political Shift, What Now for Romford?.

In 2001 Andrew Rosindell became the Conservative Member of Parliament for Romford, winning a seat that had previously been Labour and reshaping the town’s political identity. Having already made his mark as a tireless Conservative councillor for Collier Row, Mr Rosindell was by far one of the hardest working local politicians Romford had seen. He was ever present on the streets of Collier Row and Romford and quickly became, and remains, one of the most recognisable faces across Havering.

He became known for his unapologetic patriotism and his determination to fly the country’s flags wherever and whenever he could. He championed the local market and its traders and regularly walked around his home town with his much loved dog Spike, often draped in the Union Jack. His general election campaign was fought like no other. Whether you liked or disliked Andrew Rosindell, his work ethic was unquestionable. He rapidly became the face of Romford.

With the backing of Baroness Thatcher, who visited Romford to join him on a walkabout, Mr Rosindell positioned himself as a serious political force. On the night of the 2001 General Election he arrived at the count in a Jaguar once used by Baroness Thatcher herself. The message was clear. Mr Rosindell meant business. Romford was his home town and he was determined to turn it blue. He won with a commanding majority and firmly placed his name on the national political map.

To supporters and colleagues, Mr Rosindell embodied old Conservative values. He grew up politically alongside Baroness Thatcher and Lord Tebbit and believed deeply in a politics that put Britain first.

But Romford has changed since 2001. Many long standing residents speak openly of decline and loss of pride in the town. Romford has deteriorated they state.

For years, Romford Conservatives held a powerful grip locally. Under Mr Rosindell’s leadership, Team 21 swept every seat two local elections ago. Yet now, in 2026, many of those same councillors find themselves fighting for survival on the doorstep in what is shaping up to be the hardest contest they have ever faced.

Disillusioned Conservatives are drifting away. Some may vote Reform. Others are questioning whether the political home they once trusted still represents them at all. Among residents who have lived in Romford for more than 20 years, a common sentiment emerges. They feel let down and believe the pride once felt in their town has faded.

As the 2026 local elections approach this May, Romford stands at a political crossroads. The question is no longer about the past. It is about who now takes control of Romford and Havering’s future.

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