Opinion, Watford Observer, 27 July 2025 Dean Russell: Watford faces a growing lack of ambition | Watford Observer
Since the election, I purposely stepped back from public commentary. Not out of any sour grapes, but because I felt it right to give those democratically elected the space to lead. I remain proud of my record and grateful for the opportunity to serve. But a year on, it’s clear that Watford faces a growing lack of ambition that should concern us all.
As a constituency MP first and foremost, I secured government funding that helped Watford reach its first ever period with zero rough sleepers and backed investment delivering a new town centre police station.
I helped change national guidance on mental health and suicide prevention, campaigned to save our night-time economy, saved local jobs in the film industry, and opposed schemes like ULEZ that hit working people hardest. I introduced the Tips Bill, now law, to ensure hospitality staff receive 100 per cent of the tips given by customers, and Zach’s Law to end epilepsy trolling online.
I also worked alongside local groups, not for selfies, but to genuinely support those working on the front line for our community.
I lobbied daily to secure Watford General’s place in the first wave of the hospital rebuild, and helped unlock funding for the Colosseum and Town Hall through cross-party collaboration. These were hard-won gains, not just for headlines.
Watford saw strong business growth, low unemployment and high start-up rates. Today, businesses report falling footfall, rising costs and a lack of leadership.
The hospital has now been pushed back to 2032, despite promises of full backing.
My greatest fear, shared by many, is that Watford is losing its identity as a proud market town, edging closer to becoming a London borough in all but name.
You may not have liked my politics or my party, but with the LibDems and Labour in control across the town, county and country - there is no one left to blame for their decisions. Watford deserves delivery, not excuses.
Dean Russell
Former MP for Watford
