Crawley elections 2026: Meet the Conservatives candidates

Bewbush & North Broadfield

Tina Belben: “Bewbush has only ever had Labour councillors but how often do you see them? It can feel that Bewbush is taken for granted by Labour, because whatever happens, Labour always wins. I want to change that, bringing more aspiration for the area and addressing the local issues that matter to residents. I will be a strong voice to champion Bewbush. I have lived in Crawley for may years, raising my children where. Having been a borough councillor I know the council works, and how to get results for my residents on the issues that matter to them. As your councillor, I will ensure I have constructive working relationships with our local police and our dedicated Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne. I will promote increased patrols, good intelligence sharing, community safety, and action on antisocial behaviour.

Broadfield

David Bowen: “I was born in South Wales and then attended schools in Balham and Tooting in South London. At 19, I joined the Royal Navey and trained as radio operator. I was privileged to serve in the Home Fleet, the Mediterranean and the Far East. During my naval career I met people from all walks of life. After leaving the Royal Navy I lived in Purley, in the London Borough of Croydon. I became a Conservative councillor and served for eight years. I chaired one of the main committees looking after environmental health, licensing and Trading Standards. I moved to Broadfield in 1986. I joined the rugby club, coached and managed teams from minis through to senior level. I managed the men’s senior XV team for 11 years. After stepping down from that post I became a member of the committee. Having travelled all over the world, meeting and mixing with people from all walks of life I am an ideal candidate to represent the people of Broadfield.

Furnace Green

Hazel Hellier: “I have served as the local Conservative councillor in Furnace Green for the last four years having previously retired from banking. I am also an elected NHS Sussex Community Trust Public Governor which is an unpaid role representing Crawley. During my term I have served on several committees including being vice chair of scrutiny committee which enabled me to challenge this Labour-led council utilising my background financial skills to hold them to account on various matters. As shadow cabinet member for health and wellbeing, I have put forward resident’s views on many issues including allotments, local play areas, sporting and other facilities to help improve these across Crawley. My family and I have lived in Crawley for over 40 years. I play golf and am part of the local running community as a qualified England Athletics run leader. I volunteer and fundraise at various local charity events and support local park runs where we engage with local businesses in our parades. It is easy for other parties to pledge they will change things, but with the restructuring of the council, I believe it is important that my local councillor knowledge and experience continues to voice the known local opinions and matters relating to Furnace Green which others do not have.”

Ifield

Valerie Knight: “I moved to Crawley almost 40 years ago to work in hospitality – and never left! I got married and became a mother so know what it’s like for families with children in Crawley. As a lover of the outdoors we are lucky to have easy access to green spaces in and around the town, but I worry about the housing development which isn’t balanced or sustainable. Over the years I’ve seen many changes – new cinema, bowling alley, library, leisure centre and the opening of County Mall shopping centre which were great for the town but that was around 20 years ago. What next? Certainly not more housing without better infrastructure.”

Langley Green & Tushmore – Alan Hellier

Maidenbower – Imtiaz Khan

Northgate & West Green

Susan Wheeler: “My name is Susan Wheeler, as a resident of Crawley for many years. I have a family and grandchildren that live in Crawley and I know the challenges that they have. If I was in the fortunate position of being elected, I would listen to my constituents and do my utmost to resolve their issues no matter how big or small.”

Pound Hill North & Forge Wood

Paul Castle: “I have lived continuously in our ward for 44 years, after I married my wife, Sandra. My two daughters went to Hazelwick School. I’ve served as a governor of Milton Mount School. I joined the Trustee Board of Crawley Museum in 2018 and now serve as its chair. After a career in finance in the City of London, I work with my younger daughter in our Crawley niche fitness business as co-funder and bookkeeper. I am keen to work with residents to secure vital neighborhood facilities in Forge Wood, to protect our green spaces and to improve the state of our roads, ensuring that we receive our fair share of government funding for highways.”

Pound Hill South & Worth

Bob Lanzer: “I have lived in Pound Hill South and Worth for many years and am very experienced at effectively representing constituents on a range of issues. My experience will be important in ensuring that we have a sound transfer of our local services if the government proceeds with its plan to abolish Crawley Borough Council in spring 2028 and make Crawley part of a new larger unitary council. There is much that can be done to influence beneficial change, and I was pleased to see the recent resurfacing of Worth Road as just one example. As part of an effective team of Conservative councillors, I am committed to putting our neighbourhood first. With your support, I will be able to continue advocating for our area to receive its fair share of council attention and resources, ensuring that Pound Hill South and Worth is a great place to live, work and play.”

Southgate

Zack Ali: Zack Ali is a proven local champion for Southgate and Gossops Green, focused on delivering real results for residents. As your county councillor, he has worked with local people to improve road safety around schools, tackle antisocial behaviour with more visible policing, and stand up for our community against unfair decisions. Zack listens, acts, and gets things done from supporting campaigns that protect local services to pushing for better roads and safer streets. At a time when our area risks being overlooked, Zack is making sure Southgate and Gossops Green are not left behind. He has a clear plan to keep investing in our community and putting residents first. This election is a clear choice: a councillor focused on local priorities, or one distracted by national politics. Zack Ali has the record, the plan, and the commitment to deliver.”

Three Bridges – two candidates

Jonathan Purdy: “Like many people I came to Crawley for a job (way back in the 1980s), liked what I found, settled down and have never left. I had the privilege of serving the people of Three Bridges as their borough councillor for a term and as a ‘glutton for punishment’ I am back seeking your support and votes to do so again. Why? Because Labour has let down our town and let down Three Bridges. Just take one issue – Three Bridges station. Let’s face it, the front of Three Bridges station is a mess; cars, pedestrians and taxis all jostling together to get in and out. Under Labour the access redevelopment has been postponed and postponed, again and again. If I am fortunate enough to have the support of the people of Three Bridges I will take up these and the other causes close to the hears of Three Bridges residents and do all that I can to deliver for them.”

Also standing: Omar Shafiq

Tilgate – Tarek Miah