2021 Conservator's Election
HAVE YOUR SAY ON HOW THIS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT RESOURCE FOR LOCAL PEOPLE IS MANAGED AND RUN.
Wimbledon and Putney Commons are owned and managed by a registered charity – the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators. The charity has eight Trustees, or Conservators as we call them, and five of these are elected every three years by those living in the Levy-paying area who are eligible to vote. The next election is underway, and this is your opportunity to have your say in who manages this important open space.
The other three Conservators are appointed by three Government Departments: the Home Office, DEFRA, and the Ministry of Defence.
How do I know if I can vote in the 2021 Conservators Election?
You will only be able to vote if your name appears against an address within the Levy paying area on the most recent Electoral Register published by the respective Councils in December 2020.
The Levy paying area covers properties within three quarters of a mile of the perimeter of Wimbledon Common or Putney Heath, measured by the most direct walking route, or within the old Parish of Putney as it was in 1871.
How do I vote?
If you are an eligible voter, look out for your ballot papers which will start to arrive in the post from 15th February 2021. The Election is managed independently on behalf of the Conservators by Civica Election Services (CES). They will be posting Ballot Papers out to you from 12th February 2021.
There are two ways for you to cast your vote.
- Complete the Ballot Form and return it in the Freepost envelope provided; or
- Vote online – the information on how to do that will be available on the ballot form.
Given the current delays in the postal service as a result of Coronavirus, the Returning Officer is encouraging voters to make use of the online voting facility where possible. Voting on-line will also save the Charity postage costs – money that can be spent on the Commons and its management.
Who are the Candidates?
There are 12 candidates standing this year.
The Returning Officer, Nigel Ware (our Home Office appointed Conservator), commented “I am delighted that we have had such a good response to our appeal for Candidates to stand in this election. Please do take the time to read their Statements that will come with your ballot papers and use this opportunity to elect a body of local residents who you feel will best protect the future of the Commons and govern them effectively”.
The Candidates are:
Susan BUCKNALL
Sarah Helen HAWKINS
Peter John HAYES
David HINCE
Peter Denis HIRSCH
Simon Joseph Paul Blanco HOOD
Michael Frederick JOHNSTON
Diane Kathryn NEIL MILLS
Selma RAUF
Donald James ROY
Syeda Zainab VAQAR
Simon Jonathan WITHEY
The Candidates' biographies can be found here
There will be two opportunities for you to meet the candidates in two Hustings meetings organised by the Putney Society and the Wimbledon Society:
Details on how to register for the Putney Society Hustings on 18 February can be found here.
Details on how to register for the Wimbledon Society Hustings on 25 February can be found here.
YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
Votes must be received by
Civica Election Services
by 5.00pm on Wednesday 10th March 2021
If you do not receive your Ballot Papers in good time, please contact the Returning Officer at election@wpcc.org.uk or call 020 8788 7655
Further information on the election can be found here