HAVERING LEADER TAKES BOROUGH’S FIGHT TO REFORM CONFERENCE WITH BIG PLANS FOR ROADS, JOBS AND TRANSPORT.

18th September 202618th September 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Councillor Keith Prince, Havering, Reform UK Conference min read

Havering Council Leader-Councillor Keith Prince today writes in the Havering Daily following the recent Reform UK Conference.

This year’s Reform UK Conference was an opportunity to make sure Havering was part of the conversation.

As Leader of Havering Council, I wanted to use the conference to meet various organisations and people to discuss new ideas and look at what we can bring back to our Borough.

I met representatives from the University of East London, where we discussed training opportunities and the importance of giving people the skills, they need to find good jobs and build successful careers. This is particularly important as we look at how Havering can attract investment and make sure local people benefit from new employment opportunities.

Transport as a key interest of mine was a major focus.

I had a productive discussion with First Bus about its growing network in Essex and has recently started to operate a service linking Basildon and other parts of Essex with Harold Wood, connecting passengers directly with the Elizabeth line.

We discussed how these links could be developed further, including better connections between Havering and Essex and the potential for improved access to Stansted Airport. Havering sits right on London’s eastern edge, so we should be taking advantage of our position rather than allowing administrative boundaries to limit transport opportunities.

I also spoke with Waymo, which is preparing to bring its autonomous taxi service technology to London. The company is already testing across a number of London Boroughs and intends its service to complement existing public transport.

One of the questions I raised was whether technology like this could eventually help solve one of Havering’s long-standing transport problems, travelling between the north and south of the Borough.

We have good east-west rail connections, but travelling north to south can often be much more difficult. New technology should not simply be concentrated in inner-London. Outer-London Boroughs such as Havering should benefit too.

Another particularly useful conversation was with Roadmender, which has developed innovative methods forbeing proactive in preventing and repairing potholes and damaged roads. Its technology is designed to make some repairs quicker while using less material and reducing disruption. Similar technology is already being used by highway authorities elsewhere in the country.

The condition of our roads is something I care deeply about. I am therefore looking to arrange a meeting between Roadmender and Havering Council’s Highways Team to see whether there are lessons or technology that could help us repair our roads more effectively.

Of course, conference was also about the bigger political picture.

Reform UK set out what the first 100-days of a Reform Government would look like. The first proposals include raising the income tax personal allowance from £12,570 to £15,000, cutting household energy bills by around £250 a year, changes to higher education and medical training, and action on illegal Channel crossings.

That focus on the first 100-days particularly resonated with me because here in Havering we have just reached the same milestone since Reform UK took control of the Council.

Our message locally has been simple. Delivery is key.

Whether it is getting our streets cleaner, tackling HMOs, improving our roads or fighting for better transport links, residents rightly expect their Council to get things done.

For me, that was what this conference was about taking Havering’s case beyond the Borough, finding new ideas and contacts, and bringing the focus firmly back to how we can deliver better services for our residents.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!