In 2024, Labour achieved a significant victory in West London by winning the Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat from the Conservatives in the General Election. This seat was previously held by Boris Johnson and later by Steve Tuckwell. As the local elections approach on May 7, Hillingdon Labour aims to replicate this success and take control of Hillingdon Council for the first time in two decades.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) interviewed Cllr Stuart Mathers, leader of Hillingdon Labour, to discuss his plans for the borough, including council tax and Heathrow expansion. The LDRS invited all major parties to participate but received no response from the Greens, Liberal Democrats, or Reform UK. The Conservative Council Leader was interviewed separately.
Main Priorities
Cllr Mathers stated that the top priority is to address the council's finances, which he described as "one of the key things that need to be sorted out." He emphasized the importance of transparency and pledged to ensure Hillingdon operates as a "transparent" council. Within the first 100 days of a Labour administration, he also plans to "take the flags down," referring to flags that have been "weaponised against different parts of the community" and serve as reminders of division. He clarified that Union Jacks flown for Battle of Britain anniversaries are appropriate, but flags used to incite hate crime will not be tolerated.
Mathers argued that a Labour-run council would focus on "back to basics" services, including cleaner streets, better lighting, and improved safety. He also highlighted plans to scrap the garden waste collection charge and fix potholes as part of these efforts.
Labour's Pledges
The first pledge in Hillingdon Labour's manifesto is to eliminate the garden waste collection charge. When asked how this could be funded while maintaining low council tax, Mathers expressed skepticism about the charge's cost-effectiveness, noting declining subscriptions and residents sharing services. He argued that whole service reviews would generate savings to fulfill promises.
On council tax, Mathers acknowledged that no party can guarantee no increases, but pointed to models across the country where preventative services create savings, allowing for smaller rises. Hillingdon Labour has also pledged to "stand with residents" against a third runway at Heathrow Airport. Mathers plans to emulate Mayor Sadiq Khan's approach by engaging with community groups and the airport to demand improvements for residents. He assured that this stance will not change despite Heathrow expansion being national policy, citing opposition from the Mayor and local MPs who favor a "better not bigger" Heathrow.
Housing and Development
On housing, Labour has promised a housing charter to enforce universal standards across the borough and license all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Mathers linked the shortage of affordable housing to the proliferation of HMOs. To address this, he pointed to stalled developments like St Andrews opposite the civic centre, which he said should have progressed. He emphasized focusing on brownfield sites and areas with existing planning permission, rather than green spaces or green belt land.
Coalitions and Predictions
Asked about potential coalitions, Mathers ruled out working with "hateful and divisive" parties, specifically naming Reform UK. He stated, "We are aiming to win the council, and we need the support of the public to do that."
