Socialist Mayoral Candidate Champions Library Revival and Working-Class Empowerment in Croydon
Ben Goldstone, the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidate for Croydon Mayor, has launched a bold campaign focused on restoring essential public services and amplifying working-class voices in local governance. In an exclusive interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Goldstone criticized both Conservative and Labour leadership for years of service cuts and pledged to bring a fresh, anti-austerity approach if elected on May 7.
Reversing Cuts to Libraries and Youth Services
Goldstone highlighted the closure of four libraries under the Conservative administration in 2024 as a key issue, arguing that full library access is a fundamental right for residents. He vowed to reinstate these facilities, alongside the Youth Engagement Team, which was disbanded by current Mayor Jason Perry in June 2025. The candidate emphasized that youth programs, including employability support and safety initiatives, are crucial for addressing crime and poverty in the borough.
"We should have a mass programme of council-run youth programmes that young people can attend after school and at the weekends," Goldstone stated, linking inadequate services to persistent knife crime driven by economic hardship.Housing Crisis and Council-Led Solutions
Addressing Croydon's severe housing shortage, Goldstone pointed to over 8,000 families on the housing register and only about 500 council homes available. He called for a "mass programme of council house building" to combat insecure private renting and alleviate the worsening crisis. His plan includes using prudential borrowing powers and council reserves, coupled with a grassroots campaign to pressure central government for restored funding.
Advocating for Working-Class Representation and Debt Relief
Goldstone believes Croydon lacks true working-class leadership, with many politicians being "career politicians" unwilling to challenge central government. He supports diversifying the council to ensure all community voices are heard and has joined other candidates in calling for the write-off of the council's £1.4 billion debt burden, asserting "It can be done and it should be done."
Background and Campaign Vision
With experience in housing and mental health support, Goldstone frames his candidacy as a necessity rather than a desire, driven by disillusionment with mainstream parties. He also plans to tackle town centre regeneration by prioritizing resident input over commercial interests, aiming to fill empty buildings with community spaces. As one of eight mayoral candidates, Goldstone's platform centers on fighting austerity and fostering a more inclusive, service-oriented local government in Croydon.
