Hounslow (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Chiswick councillors have been named among the most hardworking in Hounslow, highlighting their active roles in community service and local governance.
The amount of casework completed by Hounslow council members has been documented, and four of Chiswick’s nine council members rank in the top 15 out of 62 council members who represent 22 wards in the borough.
In the two years prior, Chiswick’s most diligent councillor was Conservative Cllr. John Todd, who serves in the Chiswick Homefields ward. Joanna Biddolph, a fellow Conservative who represents Chiswick Gunnersbury, has surpassed him this year.
After Labour councillors Sue Sampson (546), Dan Bowring (359), Council Leader Shantanu Rajawat (293), Tony Louki (268), and Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills, and Employment Samia Chaudhary (241), Jo accumulated 200 casework pieces in 2024–25, ranking her as the borough’s sixth most productive councillor.
Despite having to travel multiple times a week for dialysis treatment, John Todd, who is retiring this year due to illness, managed 153 pieces of casework. He registered 298 pieces of casework in 2022–2023 and 230 pieces in 2023–2024.
“I find it so rewarding to assist so many people”.
Most of the work has to do with housing, he said: building certificates, planning applications.
“It highlights the poor communication between the Council and their customer base. Take the decision on 1 Burlington Lane for example, we have a Local Plan and they smash through it for the sake of a couple of flats and take no notice of local opposition”.
This year, John was up against fierce competition from Chiswick Riverside ward’s Labour councillor Amy Croft and Conservative ward councillor Jack Emsley.
Jack had 150 pieces of casework, placing him at number 15 in the hierarchy, whereas Amy had 152 pieces, placing her at number 14. Both of them work full-time jobs, and in May, Amy was elected Mayor of Hounslow. The responsibilities of a ward councillor, which include representing citizens in disputes with the Council, are very different from those of a mayor.
Amy’s election in 2022 was unexpected, not least since she is the only councillor from Chiswick to be elected as a Labour councillor.
She said:
“I’m keen to ensure that residents’ concerns are raised and I’ve found the Council very responsive. I’m glad people come to me. It’s a nice part of the job being able to help people and get things done”.
Jack told us:
“My reason is because I care deeply about the local area. We all do. Chiswick Homefields is not this oasis of west London perfection. There are lots of people who rely on us for help. If you’re lucky enough to be elected I think you should work hard”.
The seven Conservative councillors take it in turns to hold their surgeries at Chiswick Library and at Gunnersbury Triangle Club.
Chiswick Library – Every Saturday from 9.30am to 10.30am
The Gunnersbury Triangle Club – First Saturday of the month from 10am to 11am.
How might these figures affect Chiswick election campaigns?
Demonstrated hard work and high casework activity signal to voters that their local representatives are responsive and effective, which can translate into greater trust and voter loyalty.
Candidates can emphasize their proven track record of constituent service and community engagement, appealing to voters who prioritize active and accessible representation. Sitting councillors with high visible productivity gain an edge over challengers by showcasing tangible accomplishments and strong connections to the community.
Positive perceptions fostered by these figures may help energize the councillors’ grassroots supporters and volunteer base, enhancing voter turnout efforts.