The political landscape of Beaconsfield could change dramatically following the May elections, with three important figures set to step down – like a football team releasing the golden generation, one councillor has said.

Last month, South Bucks District Council leader and councillor for Beaconsfield, Adrian Busby, announced he was moving on, while town council leader Alan Walters will only be standing for SBDC and current mayor, Steve Jones, will not stand in either election.

Bucks Free Press:  

Current mayor of Beaconsfield, Steve Jones.

A number of other district councillors are set to leave politics in May, with at least a quarter of new SBDC representatives likely to be sitting in their first term at the authority after the election.

Cllr Steve Jones, who represented the town council for 14 years and the district for 12 years, says it’s time for new blood, but admitted councillors can occasionally have very little impact at lower level politics.

He said: “It’s a bit like football teams really, there’s always a danger when football teams, rugby teams or cricket teams hang onto a good squad for too long, there’s a sort of crash and burn effect.

“I do feel it’s time for new blood to come in and obviously they may have their ideals.

“My experience when new to a council is you come in with some real good intentions and I would suggest the vast majority of people, regardless of party politics, comes in with that intention.

“But, the reality check is you as an individual or council can’t do much to change everything.”

Cllr Walters, who is still standing for the SBDC Beaconsfield North ward, said: “I think having done 16 years on the town council it’s probably time to move over and let other people take advantage of an opportunity.

He added that he still hopes to stand for the district and help as they begin a transition stage, reducing councillor numbers from 40 to 28.

Bucks Free Press:

Cllr Alan Walters.

Cllr Walters also raised concerns with the amount of people standing in the local elections, with only two of the 28 town and parish wards in the district being contested in May.

He said: “I’m disappointed more people haven’t put themselves forward to sit in the north of south of Beaconsfield for the town.

“Anybody can do it – I’m not talking party politics – anyone who wants to make a difference in the town of Beaconsfield, or other places, could have just put themselves forward.

"Hopefully, regardless of the result in May, I will also have more time to work with my charity Padstones and continue my role with action for youth.”

Speaking to the Bucks Free Press last month Cllr Busby said after serving two terms at SBDC it was time to step down, although he will continue to represent Buckinghamshire County Council.

Bucks Free Press:

Cllr Adrian Busby.