Councillor Rags Sandhu stood for election in Bexleyheath Ward in May 2022, campaigning on a platform of direct resident engagement and a mission to make the London Borough of Bexley even better. It was his first time standing for his own election after years of community involvement.
What Was It Like Standing for Election for the First Time?
Standing for your own election is unlike anything else. The country was getting back to normal after the Covid pandemic of 2020, and it was a challenging time. Residents had mixed emotions about how the pandemic had been handled at every level of government, and those feelings shaped every doorstep conversation.
Rather than shy away from difficult questions, I leaned into them. Throughout the campaign, I spoke to hundreds of residents across the borough, and my message was simple: let us discuss the local issues that affect your daily life, and let us work together to make Bexley even better. Over the course of the campaign, I knocked on more than 3,000 doors and attended over 20 community events.
Why Did Residents' Concerns Drive the Campaign?
What struck me most during the 2022 campaign was how much residents wanted to be heard. Many told me they had not spoken to a council candidate in years. That confirmed my belief that Bexleyheath Ward deserved a councillor who would be present, visible, and accountable — not just at election time, but every week of every year.
The issues people raised were practical and pressing: street cleanliness, parking, the future of the high street, support for local businesses, and community safety. I made careful note of every concern. When I could answer on the spot, I did. When I could not, I promised to go away, find the answer, and come back — and I kept that promise every single time.
You can read about how those concerns have shaped my ongoing work on my priorities page.
How Did Engaging With Local Businesses Shape My Approach?
One of the highlights of the campaign was meeting local business owners along the Broadway and across Bexleyheath town centre. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy — they employ our neighbours, serve our community, and give our high street its character. In Bexleyheath Ward alone, there are over 200 independent businesses contributing to the local economy.
I also had the privilege of speaking with Broadway PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers), who gave me invaluable insight into the day-to-day safety challenges facing the ward. Those conversations reinforced my commitment to working closely with local policing teams, a commitment I have upheld since being elected.
Learn more about my background and what motivates my public service on the about page.
What Has the Experience Meant for My Work as Councillor?
Being elected in May 2022 was a proud moment, but the real work started the day after. The relationships I built during the campaign — with residents, business owners, community groups, and local officers — have been the foundation of everything I have done since as Councillor Rags Sandhu in Bexleyheath Ward.
I stood on a promise to be accessible, responsive, and honest. That promise has not changed. If you have an issue you would like to raise, or if you simply want to share your thoughts on how we can improve life in the London Borough of Bexley, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to listen.