As part of our 2024 General Election coverage, we have contacted each candidate standing in Northfield, Bromsgrove, Edgbaston and Selly Oak constituencies asking them to contribute to this election’s ‘500 Words’ series. We have also asked the same of each candidate in the local council by-elections for Northfield and Kings Norton North wards.
Each candidate has been invited to describe themselves and their campaigns in their own words. Their submissions will be published without editing, in the order that they are received. Should they be longer than 500 words, they will be cropped.
Abigail Smith • Conservative • Northfield (BCC By-Election)
I’m Abigail Smith, your candidate in the upcoming by-election on July 4th. As someone who grew up in Northfield and attended school locally, I care deeply about our area. I will stand up for the residents of Northfield and be an active councillor, helping people with their issues and ensuring our community thrives.
Our area is being failed by the Labour-run City Council. They have run the council into the ground, and now they are making us pay for it. Our libraries are under threat of closing, our bins go uncollected, and our council tax is rising. Grass verges go uncut, and litter blights our streets. It’s time for a change.
Let’s not reward Birmingham Labour by electing another Labour councillor who will not care for our area or stand up for Northfield in the council chamber. I will stand up for our area, fighting tooth and nail to protect weekly bin collections, oppose the council tax increase, and represent the residents in a Labour-dominated council chamber.
We’ve got to protect our local gems, like the former King George V pub, from falling further into disrepair. We need to protect Manor Farm Park from the unwanted development proposed by the Environment Agency. These places are part of our heritage and vital for our community’s well-being.
People are sick of feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhoods. I’m ready to tackle crime, drugs, and gangs head-on. By teaming up with the police to get more officers based locally, we’ll make sure our streets are safe for everyone. Tackling these issues on our high streets is essential for restoring confidence and security in our community.
Improving public transport is another key priority. We need increased train services at Northfield station, better bus routes, and investment into the Rea Valley cycle route. Reliable and efficient public transport is crucial for our community’s connectivity and overall quality of life.
I am here to listen to your concerns and ideas because, together, we can make Northfield an even better place to live. I believe in people over politics. Your support in this election is invaluable.
On July 4th, I ask for your vote to ensure a brighter future for Northfield. With your trust and support, I am confident that we can achieve positive change, uphold our values, and build a stronger community. Together, let’s work towards a Northfield where heritage is preserved, safety is paramount, and cleanliness is maintained for generations to come.
Think local and vote local!
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Hustings
A chance to hear directly from your candidates, any hustings we are aware of will be listed below. Please let us know of any not listed.
How wonderful to read such an exciting discussion of the needs of Northfield and how they should be dealt with from such an energetic, intelligent young person fired by her her love and enthusiasm for Northfield and with real links to the ward. What a contrast to her main opponent who seems to have suddenly dropped in on the area, though never previously having an interest in it till a few weeks ago. I’ve spoken to Abigail several times – her enthusiasm and passion for working for Northfield and its residents is infectious and I think she will make an excellent councillor for the area – none better.