20 May 2026
Outspoken New Greens resident Damian Gaskin came second in the Batchwood ward after standing as an independent candidate.
He reflected on the result: “The Liberal Democrats are an extremely effective political and marketing machine locally. They have strong branding, strong organisation and they are very skilled at linking local elections to national political narratives when it benefits them, while separating those issues again when it doesn’t.
“National political concerns clearly influenced some local voting decisions, and fears about Reform played a role for certain voters.
“However, many residents were also voting based on longstanding party loyalty and national political identity rather than purely local issues.”
He alluded to a different side to that publicly presented by the Lib Dems: “Their campaign presents a very friendly and community-focused image, but I have also experienced a much harder and darker political edge underneath. Independent candidates face a very difficult challenge competing against a well-established party structure with significant resources and recognition.
“That said, I’m enormously proud that an independent, community-led campaign beat Reform, the Green Party, Labour and the Conservatives, came second overall, and built genuine momentum across Batchwood and New Greens.
“Locally, Reform was less significant politically than I had feared, although we should never become complacent about some of the language and attitudes that political rhetoric can encourage within communities.”
He said he was most proud of receiving support from people he barely knew a few months ago: “The number of residents who volunteered their time, delivered leaflets, encouraged me, and sent heartfelt messages after the result was genuinely overwhelming.
“I’m incredibly proud of the community spirit shown in New Greens. Residents there understood that local elections should be about visibility, trust and action — electing people you can actually speak to, contact and hold accountable.
“Despite the election result, Monday Suppers will continue, with our 200th free community meal for 130 people coming up soon.
“The twice-weekly litter picks that have helped make New Greens the cleanest areas of St Albans will only gather further momentum, and the Friday Bike Bus will live to ride again and again.
“New community initiatives such as ‘Souper Sundays’ and establishing a Men’s Shed are also on my agenda, alongside the ongoing campaigns for safer pedestrian crossings to protect our children, saving the social club, and securing a genuine public consultation around the development of the William Bird Pavilion.
“On an individual level many of the most vulnerable in my community do not feel listened to and are still asking for my help even though I am not a district councillor. I will help them where I can and as much as I can. I don’t need a fancy title or gold chain to do that.”
But he hinted that his political aspirations weren’t over, and he could stand as a candidate for the forthcoming unitary authority: “Many of the people who supported me — including those who gave huge amounts of time and financial support — are keen for us to continue building on what we started. I remain very interested in continuing to represent and campaign for the community in whatever structures come next.”
Meanwhile in Redbourn, Independent David Mitchell fought off challenges by all the mainstream parties to once again win the ward: “I was reasonably confident of holding my seat as many residents said they were supporting me and my determination to fight overdevelopment of the Green Belt around Redbourn. I am grateful for their support and I hope I can repay their faith in me.”
With regards to Reform candidate Joy Swan coming in second place, he said: “I think the rise of Reform is only to be expected given the chaos caused by the established parties in recent times. Having said that, I don’t think Reform will bring any stability either, quite the opposite in fact. We are going through difficult times but I don’t think the polarisation of politics is going to help. At a local level, I think we have to focus on what’s best for our residents and put party differences to one side.”
