Hi, I'm Russ Platt and I have been a Liberal Democrat Councillor for Peartree since I was elected in May 2021 and re-elected in May 2024.

I live here in Peartree with my wife and daughter, having moved to the ward in 2012 (was it really that long ago!).  As a family man, business owner and active member of the community, I have an all-round understanding of how a town and community works, and I love Welwyn Garden City. This was the reason that I entered the political arena, having worked with the local Lib Dem Councillors as part of my role in our local residents association; it was a natural fit for me; so when they asked if I was interested in standing, I jumped at the chance.

I love doing work with, and for, members of the Peartree community. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than working to assist residents who, for many reasons, have been unable to resolve issues. The range of things I already get involved with is amazing, they range from getting hedges and verges cut back, to liaising with the WHBC housing team on home maintenance work, and helping community groups looking at planning applications.

I also sit on WHBC several  of WHBC's panels and committees; these include Chairing the Cabinet Planning and Parking Panel (which deals with the local housing plan among other things), the Community Panel, which is extremely enjoyable, and the Audit Panel, which looks at council tenders, contracts, risk and expenditure. These panels are where I get to work for residents of the wider borough, something that is now a key part of my role.  I am also the shadow Planning Portfolio member for the Joint Administration, working closely with my Labour counterpart and the council on planning and regeneration.

I think that the varied personal and professional experiences I have gained, make me a Councillor who can interact with all kinds of people and organisations to make progress for the ward and the town - after all that is what a Councillor should do.

I am continually learning more about being a Councillor every day and fully intend to keep doing so, to make me the best I can possibly be for the people that I represent.

Cheers

Russ

Oh, and in my spare time I like bad dad jokes, eating Thai food, watching football and creating over-complicated Excel spreadsheets.

email: russ@welhatlibdems.org.uk
phone: 01707 532 531
facebook: team peartree