The local Conservative group has selected a local community champion Natalie Christian-John as their candidate for the upcoming Riverfield by-election.

Descending from her grandmother who came to the UK during the Windrush era, Natalie has cemented herself as a community champion being a big believer in the power of local communities.

She’s passionate about initiatives that invest in and better local communities. She is a professional singer, vocal coach and choir director and has worked to train young people in schools and community/church groups in Bedford and wider afield. She is very passionate about supporting initiatives that support our youth and elderly citizens to thrive in the community they are part of.

Conservative Group Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Graeme Coombes, commented,

“I am absolutely thrilled to have Natalie as our local candidate. She has a prodigious capacity to work and a positive can-do attitude that is absolutely infectious.

I am confident that her experience of empowering local communities and dealing with local issues means she understands what is important to residents of Riverfield and will fight tooth and nail to ensure they have a voice in the Council.”

Natalie has been working hard to get under the skin of issues affecting Riverfield Ward. A vote for her will be a vote to:

• Tackle anti-social behaviour;
• Tackle speeding and calming of traffic
• Improve and extend leisure facilities for local residents;
• Tackle fly-tipping;
• Keeping roads and pavements in good condition.
• Supporting Riverfield community initiatives that bring people together

Natalie Christian-John commented,

“I am running for Riverfield because I care about the area I live in.

I am lucky enough to come from a very loving and caring family who taught me the value of working hard and never giving up in the face of adversity – it’s these lessons that I will be taking to my work as a Councillor if elected. As a Bedford Borough Councillor I look forward to working with all colleagues in the council to get the best deal for Riverfield. I have no interest in political games or attacking others, this is not my style as I believe this detracts from the work there is to do.

But most importantly, I want to instil an air of positivity in Riverfield and help those around me.”