Bobby Dean: Meet the man 629 votes from being our next MP

Standing up for St Helier Hospital. Fighting your corner on the cost of living. Taking the fight to the Conservatives.

Support is growing right across Carshalton & Wallington for local resident Bobby Dean to be our next Liberal Democrat MP.

Meeting Bobby on the campaign trail, it’s clear why. The down-to-earth Carshalton resident is visible around the area’s shops, pubs and parks and is plain-speaking on the doorstep.

Not a typical politician

Bobby grew up on a council estate, the son of a scaffolder and a cleaner, and spent some of his teenage years in the care of his grandparents. Not your typical politician’s backstory.

He now lives just off Green Wrythe Lane with his wife Gemma and their dog Chester.

Bobby runs his own small business, supporting charities on poverty, health and education. And in the community he serves as a local Councillor for his home ward, The Wrythe, supporting local residents, solving problems and improving the area.

Bobby’s background makes him determined to stand up for local people and small businesses during the cost of living crisis.

“Rishi Sunak just doesn’t get what families like mine are going through right now. The thing I hear from people the most is that they think this Tory Government is just completely out of touch.”

One of the things that frustrates Bobby is politicians putting their party first. The local Tory MP has voted with his party in Parliament almost every time – even backing cuts to St Helier.

“People are getting fed up of politics. We need MPs to speak their mind more. I hope that on St Helier, on ULEZ, on the cost of living – I’ve shown I’m not afraid to speak out.”

Bobby is now dedicating most of his life to campaigning, knocking on doors and meeting with local groups every day.

“I hear from so many people how hardworking and visible former MP Tom Brake was and I’m doing my best to follow in his footsteps.”

Bobby is rooted in the local area and can regularly be seen walking his dog along the River Wandle, playing football or out and about in  local pubs, shops and parks.

“Carshalton and Wallington is such a great place to live – it has a bit of everything. But residents are worried that some of the things that make it special are going backwards.

“Our local hospital is under threat. Our train links have got worse. It’s becoming more difficult to afford to live here and sewage is being dumped in our river.

“I think it’s time up for this Conservative Government. We need a change. Local people deserve a fair deal.”