About Andy Coles

I’m pleased to announce that I will be standing in the City Council by-election on Thursday, 1st May, as the Conservative party candidate for Barnack Ward – including the villages of Helpston, Bainton, Ashton, Ufford , Barnack, Pilsgate, Southorpe and Wothorpe.

I'm delighted to be following in the footsteps of my former colleagues Irene Walsh and David Over in seeking election here.

Key Issues and Passions

Our villages are very desirable places to live, and I’m standing because I care about protecting what makes them special while ensuring they thrive in the future. I want to make sure we get our fair share of investment, our roads and footpaths are properly maintained, we have a good standard of public transport, our villages are safe and clean, and that  local businesses and services are supported - even in the current difficult financial circumstances the country is facing.  It is particularly concerning to see that Labour Party decisions on their budget are disproportionately affecting older people, agricultural businesses and car use - all having a particular impact on village life.

Experience and Skills

At the City Council, decisions are made that directly impact our daily lives – from roads and transport to education, social care, and the environment. I’ve served before as an elected member in Peterborough City Council, both as a ward councillor and then with additional cabinet responsibilities for Childrens’ Services, Finance, Resources and the Legal and Property teams. I know how the Council works and how best to represent residents when decisions are made that impact on all our lives.  My previous 30 years of service in the police and 24 of those years as a Scotland Yard detective dealing with extremists and countering terrorism means I am particularly focussed on identifying problems and eliminating obstructions to resolve issues.  I'm also used to working across many different organisations to deal with problems and I'm good at bringing people together to deal with a problem.

Inspired to Serve

I live here and understand how important it is that the character of our villages is conserved for the future. The vast majority of money that is spent and activity that takes place is within the urban areas, and the rural communities can miss out as a result. We need an experienced and capable local voice to represent the needs of our rural communities, to push for improvements, and who has a track record of working with residents and a host of other public authorities to tackle the issues that matter most.

I’d be delighted to hear about what matters most to you and how we can make our villages even better together .

I’d be honoured to have your support on 1st May – let’s make a real difference!