With local elections here in Croydon in May, we speak with our very own Michael Swadling, Reform UK candidate for Norbury Park.
“Years of failure and political meddling by the council have squandered much of that legacy, leaving taxpayers with mounting debt while hollowing out vital services”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
Born in Mayday Hospital, I’m a lifelong Croydonian with deep roots in our community. For over 20 years, I have served as a school governor at schools across the borough. I ran the Vote Leave campaign in Croydon and have stood for office before.
I had hoped to leave party politics behind, but I’ve decided to run because I remember growing up in an area full of prosperity and opportunity – with excellent shopping, strong road networks, and a vibrant nightlife. Years of failure and political meddling by the council have squandered much of that legacy, leaving taxpayers with mounting debt while hollowing out vital services.
I want to help deliver a council that gets the basics right and empowers the people of Croydon to build the local businesses, jobs, and services we all desire.
“Too often, however, Croydon Council gets in the way – making it harder for people to get around, worsening parking, and failing to deliver the basic services”
You’re the prospective candidate for Norbury Park ward, what are the major concerns in the area?
Many of the issues residents raise – crime, antisocial behaviour, littering, and fly-tipping – stem from the same underlying problem: a lack of pride and belief in our area.
There are already many excellent local initiatives in Norbury and beyond that support our community, and these should be actively encouraged and backed.
Too often, however, Croydon Council gets in the way – making it harder for people to get around, worsening parking, and failing to deliver the basic services residents need. Tackling these issues will be my will focus for Norbury Park.
“The borough is effectively bankrupt, and there is no easy fix. Labour drove it into de facto bankruptcy, and the Conservatives have failed to resolve the deep-rooted problems”
More widely what do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?
I have been closely tracking Croydon Council’s problems for over a decade. I was also actively involved in the successful DEMOC campaign that delivered a directly elected Mayor and greater accountability to the borough.
You can read some of my analysis on the waste and mismanagement at the council in my article for the TaxPayers’ Alliance: ‘Consequences for Croydon’
The borough is effectively bankrupt, and there is no easy fix. Labour drove it into de facto bankruptcy, and the Conservatives have failed to resolve the deep-rooted problems. Taxpayers and frontline services have paid the price, while the council continues to waste money on flag-raising ceremonies at every opportunity, with little reduction in senior executive roles, hidden payments, and self-promotion through Your Croydon. It raids whatever funding pot it can, yet residents and essential services continue to suffer.
We need real accountability for the financial mess and a fundamental shift in priorities – from “nice-to-have” vanity projects to “need-to-have” basics. The sums involved may not always be enormous, but we must have a council leadership that leads by example and lives within its means.
Beyond wasteful spending, council interference has allowed our town centre to fall into decline. We need fewer grand schemes and more freedom for small businesses to thrive – delivering better shopping, an appealing environment to locate offices, and a vibrant night-time economy. Where the council should get involved is by working closely with the police and local businesses to make the areas around East and West Croydon stations safe, clean, and welcoming once again.
Beyond the town centre, we have successful local high streets that deserve far greater support. If elected, I will champion Norbury, Upper Norwood, and all our district centres, helping them become thriving, independent destinations shaped by local businesses and the community.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
You can read our excellent ‘OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU’ for Croydon. You can also follow us on Facebook or contact us at chair.croydon@reformuk.com.
You can find and contact me on Facebook @swadling4Croydon and on X/Twitter @MikeSwadling.
“We need fewer grand schemes and more freedom for small businesses to thrive – delivering better shopping, an appealing environment to locate offices, and a vibrant night-time economy”
Michael Swadling is running for Reform UK with Maria Evans in Norbury Park.