Tuesday 5th May 2015, Uttlesford: Residents for Uttlesford (R4U), the local advocacy group for towns and villages, has announced that is that it has endorsed the election campaigns of two Independent candidates in ward seats where it is not standing a candidates itself.
Cllr John Lodge (R4U Chairman)- Elsenham & Henham ward – Petrina Lees, Independent supported by local residents;
- Takeley ward – Geoff Bagnall, Independent Parish Councillor who has represented Takeley residents’ on Local Plan issues;
R4U is standing 2 candidates in the Takeley ward, Natalie Sullivan and Peter Emsden. The group is endorsing the Independent campaign of Parish Councillor Geoff Bagnall for the 3rd seat.
Geoff Bagnall (Independent, Takeley)
Petrina Lees (Independent, Elsenham & Henham)About Residents for Uttlesford
Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) is the local independent party of north-west Essex towns and villages. Formed in 2014 by a number of residents’ groups, the party believes that on local issues residents should decide, not Westminster parties.
R4U is the fastest growing local political movement in its district. In 2015 it became the second party at Uttlesford District Council (UDC). In 2017 it achieved a further by-election gain with 60% of the vote. In the May 2019 Local Elections R4U gained majority control of UDC winning two-thirds of the seats. The result delivered the biggest loss of seats by any UK Conservative controlled council in the UK in those elections.
R4U’s success has been based on the desire to give local people a voice and implement long range strategic and sustainable plans for their area.
R4U is also the majority party at Saffron Walden Town Council, where under its stewardship the council has rebuilt finances, invested in community assets, and won multiple awards. It is a minority party on Great Dunmow Town Council.
Residents for Uttlesford can be found on the web at www.residents4u.org.