Local Conservatives in Mottingham ward have selected new candidate Giles Cordwell to join Councillor Will Rowlands in standing for election in the Bromley Council elections taking place in May 2026. A retired teacher, Giles joins the team after long-serving Mottingham Conservative Councillor David Cartwright announced he will be standing down next year after 12 years on the Council.
David's retirement brings to an end a distinguished career of public service which dates back over 55 years. Prior to representing Mottingham as a councillor – which he has done since 2014 – he served residents as a School Governor, as well spending over thirty years in the fire service, rising to Assistant Commissioner and receiving the Queens Fire Service Medal in recognition of his dedication to service and duty.
David's ward colleague, Councillor Will Rowlands, says: “David is as close to a Mr Mottingham as you’ll ever get. His commitment to serving Mottingham throughout most of his life in various forms is admirable, and an inspiration to many. His ability to get things done and resolve some of the most complex cases in a friendly and professional manner, benefitting Mottingham in both a large and small way is an inspiration to all”
Giles Cordwell, who is a well known figure locally, told residents: “I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to stand as a candidate for Mottingham. Mottingham is a community which I know well from my time teaching as Ravensworth School. Many of you I’ll already know, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know many more of you over the coming months as the team continues to work hard for Mottingham.”
Councillor David Cartwright, added: “It has been an absolute privilege to have served my local Mottingham community over the past 12 years - it has been an incredible experience and journey. I could not have achieved anything without the total support of my colleague ward councillor, Will Rowlands, along with those within Mottingham who voluntarily dedicate their time to protect and enhance our local area. I am especially grateful to the many individuals and local associations and groups, including the MRA, the Geffreys’ residents’ association, the Safer Cranmore Group and also St Edwards’ Church on the Mottingham Estate, all of whom carry out sterling (nd often unseen) work to support, assist and care for our local community. I feel most proud to have been elected by local people to represent their best interests.
"Over past years, Will and I have been quietly supported by Giles Cordwell in the work that we do - and I know he already has a good understanding of the needs of residents across the entire Mottingham ward. I'm looking forward to supporting Giles in the months ahead, and I would urge everyone in the ward to give Giles and Will their backing in May next year, so that Mottingham continues to have a strong team representing our wonderful community."
