Residents across Richmond Borough will take to the polls on Thursday, 7 May to decide their local councillors for the next four years.

All 54 seats of Richmond Council are up for grabs across all 18 local government wards.

Nub News has reached out to every party standing candidates in the South Richmond ward, asking for a short statement about their policies and why locals should vote for them.

This is what they said:

Massimo Chiesa - Liberal Democrats

Massimo Chiesa - Liberal Democrats

Growing up in East Sheen and now living near Richmond Town Centre, Massimo Chiesa understands the issues which local people care about most. Having worked for Sarah Olney for over two years, Massimo has already worked alongside local councillors and parliamentarians to put Richmond's interests first. On the weekends, Massimo unwinds by taking Sunday League football too seriously.

Chris Varley - Liberal Democrats

Chris Varley - Liberal Democrats

Throughout his career in business and industry, Chris Varley has recognised the benefits of Britain's integration with the European Union. Having lived in South Richmond for most of his adult life, he has served as a councillor since 2022. He is Vice Chair of Adult Social Services and Lead Member for Housing. Chris is seeking re-election to continue providing homes for residents and building a fairer borough in Richmond.

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Paulina Vassileva - Liberal Democrats

Paulina Vassileva - Liberal Democrats

Paulina Vassileva is passionate about equitable accessibility, disability accommodations and growth opportunities for freelancers and small businesses. By trade Paulina is an illustrator and production artist. Paulina got involved in politics as she believes in a fair society, in which everyone has opportunity, regardless of their background. Paulina has an unwavering commitment to local communities, and promises to do her best for South Richmond.

Paddy Griffith - Green Party

Paddy Griffith - Green Party

I've led large teams and complex client relationships, bringing people with very different views together around a shared vision and culture of growth, and fairness. Residents should be able to trust that their councillors will listen, work hard, and get things done. I will use my skills, experience and local roots to champion a fairer, greener Richmond, and to help grow the Green Party as a serious force for change locally and nationally. 

Tanya Williams - Green Party

Tanya Williams - Green Party

I fell in love with South Richmond 30 years ago and understandably never left. I've had a long career working in local charities. We're facing social and environmental crises on multiple fronts. I have volunteered in homeless shelters and food banks in the borough and am very concerned about the long term impacts of austerity. I'm fighting for affordable homes, a clean river and a high street worth celebrating. 

Alexi Hatto - Green Party

Alexi Hatto - Green Party

I'm an administrator, designer and teacher primarily supporting non-profit organisations both locally and internationally, and I've served as a trustee of two local charities helping migrants and refugees. The Greens offer real solutions to the toxic social division that has long plagued British politics. Be sure to dismiss all the absurd and conspiratorial disinformation about us: we believe in evidence-based policy and robust regulation, not scaremongering and scapegoating.

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Christine Cullis - Reform UK

Christine Cullis - Reform UK

Christine Cullis is a business co-founder and mother of five who built a UK brand later in life after raising her family. With a broad career across administration, sales and marketing and business, she brings real-world experience and a balanced, practical perspective. Christine understands the pressures on families and the value of hard work and resilience. She is standing to represent residents with honesty, accountability and a focus on supporting both families and local enterprise.

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Candidates from the South Richmond ward not included in this article did not respond to our request before the deadline.