“Croydon Needs Radical Change – Not More Political Failure”

“Croydon Needs Radical Change – Not More Political Failure,” says Lib Dem Mayoral Candidate Richard Howard

Richard Howard, Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Croydon in 2026, has called for urgent, radical change in the way the borough is run, after years of financial mismanagement by both Labour and Conservative administrations. With the government announcing the latest intervention and Croydon’s debt projected to hit £2.2 billion by 2027, Howard says residents deserve leadership that puts people before party politics.

“Croydon’s finances are out of control,” said Richard Howard. “This crisis didn’t appear overnight — it’s the result of years of political failure by both Labour and the Conservatives.

In 2020, the Labour-run Council bankrupted the borough after years of reckless borrowing and failed investments, including the widely criticised Brick by Brick housing company, which wasted millions of public money and failed to deliver. But the damage hasn’t stopped there.

Since 2022, the Conservative Mayor Jason Perry has failed to get a grip of the situation. Despite promises to restore order, the borough’s debt is worsening under his leadership. Meanwhile, Croydon residents have been hit with some of the biggest council tax increases in the country, even as services are cut to the bone.

“Croydon has become a political football,” Howard continued. “Residents are paying the price for years of short-term decisions, vanity projects, and finger-pointing between the two main parties.

With the Council now facing government intervention and the imposition of Commissioners, Howard argues that Croydon is at breaking point.

“We need a serious, credible recovery plan for Croydon’s finances – not more political stunts from the government or empty words from the Mayor. Residents are fed up with paying more and getting less.

Howard points to the success of Claire Bonham, elected in 2022 as the first Liberal Democrat councillor in Croydon for 20 years, as proof that real change is possible.

“Since Claire Bonham was elected in Crystal Palace & Upper Norwood, residents have seen the difference a hard-working, community-focused councillor can make. Claire has been a visible, active champion for her ward — proving that when Lib Dems are elected, they deliver.

Howard is offering Croydon voters a clear alternative.

“The Liberal Democrats offer the radical change Croydon desperately needs. Across the country, Lib Dem councils have a strong track record of competent, compassionate leadership – balancing budgets, protecting local services, and putting communities first. That’s exactly what Croydon needs right now.”

Having stood as the Lib Dem candidate for Mayor in 2022, Richard Howard says he’s ready to step up again in 2026 to finally break the cycle of political failure.

“Croydon deserves better than the broken politics of the past. It’s time for something different – and the Liberal Democrats are ready to lead that change.