Dave Sexton

Liberal Democrat Candidate for St Mary and St James

Dave Sexton is standing for election in St Mary and St James because he believes local politics should start with listening. For him, representation is about treating people as individuals with real experiences, not problems to be managed. His approach reflects core Liberal Democrat values: fairness, opportunity, community, and the belief that power should be used to enable people, not control them.

A Career Built on Public Service

Dave brings decades of experience shaped by service and communication.

Thirty years in the Metropolitan Police taught him how to listen under pressure, assess evidence, and understand how decisions affect people’s lives — especially those with the least voice.

Three years as a tour guide strengthened his ability to communicate clearly, connect with people from all backgrounds, and make complex issues accessible.

He describes his politics as pragmatic and solutions‑focused, rooted in the Liberal Democrat tradition of evidence‑based decision‑making and practical local action.

Listening to St Mary and St James

On the doorstep, Dave hears a wide range of concerns — from the cost of living to housing insecurity to cultural anxieties. His instinct is always to listen first.

“People’s worries often come from uncertainty,” he says. “You don’t dismiss that. You listen and understand what’s behind it.”

He sees St Mary and St James as a ward where working‑class and middle‑class communities live side by side — something he believes should be a strength. A healthy community, he argues, is one where everyone feels they belong and are treated with dignity.

But he also recognises a challenge: too many residents feel disengaged from local politics.

“Democracy only works when people feel their voice matters,” he says. “We need to bring people back into the conversation.”

A Clear Priority: Housing

When asked what the ward needs most urgently, Dave is direct:

“Housing. Housing. Housing.”

He points to long waiting lists, families stuck in temporary accommodation, and an increasingly expensive private rental market. For him, stable housing underpins everything else — health, work, family life, and the ability to participate fully in the community.

Improving housing is not just a policy goal; it’s about fairness and opportunity, and it sits at the heart of the Liberal Democrat offer locally.

Accessible, Accountable Representation

Dave is committed to being a visible and responsive councillor. He plans to stay engaged through regular contact with residents, community events, and social media, working closely with the wider Liberal Democrat team in Bexley.

“People should be able to contact their councillor and expect a response,” he says. “That’s basic respect — and it’s how trust is built.”

For Dave, accountability means being honest about what can be changed, standing by your values, and always putting residents first.

Rooted in the Area

Dave describes St Mary and St James as “suburban without being urban” — a balance he believes is distinctive and worth protecting. He also has a long‑standing interest in history, which shapes his belief that communities thrive when they are open, outward‑looking, and willing to learn from the past.

A guiding principle underpins his approach:

“All parties have their day.”

For Dave, it’s a reminder to stay grounded, focus on service, and never take voters for granted.

In His Own Words

Your vision in three words:

“Listen, listen, listen.”

The first issue you’d tackle:

“Poverty — because it affects everything else.”

What ‘community’ means to you:

“Integration — people feeling connected, not isolated.”

One message to residents:

“Poverty is not permanent. With the right support, circumstances can change.”

A Liberal Democrat Choice for St Mary and St James

Dave Sexton offers a clear Liberal Democrat alternative:

• Respect for individual freedom
• Fairness and opportunity
• Strong, inclusive communities
• Practical action on housing
• A commitment to listening and staying accessible

For residents who feel overlooked or unheard, Dave believes Liberal Democrat representation can make a real difference.