With local elections here in Croydon in May, we speak with Gareth Heald, Reform UK candidate for Sanderstead.
“I specialise in driving investment into local areas and helping new businesses open their doors as quickly and efficiently as possible”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
Hello readers, I’m Gareth Heald a seasoned senior property professional with decades of experience leading change, eliminating waste, and driving commercial performance across a wide range of SME, public, and private sector organisations. I began my career in the immigration service at just 16, later gaining experience in banking and security before finding my long-term path in the property sector.
In my current work, I specialise in driving investment into local areas and helping new businesses open their doors as quickly and efficiently as possible. Each year, I support dozens of new ventures across the capital cutting through delays, solving operational problems, and ensuring entrepreneurs can start trading, hiring, and contributing to the local economy without unnecessary barriers. This hands‑on experience has shown me exactly how strong, well‑run services and clear decision‑making can unlock growth and opportunity for communities like ours.
I live in Sanderstead with my fiancée Alessandra, whom I met here in London after she moved from Italy in 2015, along with our son Logan and our sausage dog, Sandy. This is our home, and like many local families, we care deeply about the character, safety, and wellbeing of our community.
I am standing for election in Sanderstead because residents deserve a councillor who will protect what makes this area special and ensure that the services we all pay for actually work. Many people in Croydon have expressed concerns about rising council tax, deteriorating roads, unreliable waste collection, and a Town Hall that has not always responded to local priorities. My professional background has been built on competence, accountability, and value for money and those are the standards I want to bring to local government. If elected, I will work to ensure Sanderstead gets the efficient, responsive services it deserves.
“This is our home, and like many local families, we care deeply about the character, safety, and wellbeing of our community”
What do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?
I will push for proper investment in our pavements and roads, stronger action on crime and anti-social behaviour, and real protection for our green spaces against inappropriate development. Sanderstead contributes heavily to the borough; it’s time we had a councillor who ensures we get our fair share back.
This campaign is about restoring pride and common sense to local government. I will fight tirelessly for better bus and transport links, improved street and playground cleaning, tougher action on fly-tipping, and greater police visibility so residents feel safe in every part of our ward. I will challenge waste and mismanagement at every level and work with residents, schools, community groups and the police to deliver practical, local solutions. Sanderstead deserves strong, independently minded representation, someone who speaks up for families, protects our environment, and ensures local voices are heard. With Reform, we can bring real change to Croydon and secure a better future for Sanderstead.
“Sanderstead deserves strong, independently minded representation, someone who speaks up”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
You can find out more in our booklet ‘CROYDON NEEDS REFORM – OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU’. You can also follow us on Facebook or contact us at chair.croydon@reformuk.com.
