We’ve invited all the local election candidates to complete this questionnaire so you know more about the people asking for your vote on the 4th of May. We’re also compiling a list of their websites and social media accounts so you can follow them and get in touch if you have any questions.
Follow @mycardiffnorthName – David Walker
Party – Conservatives
Ward – Lisvane
Website – cardiffnorthconservatives.com
Twitter –
Facebook –
How can people get in touch with you? – Email or phone.
About You
Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in Swansea in a working class family. I was fortunate to be the first in my family to receive a University education. I studied modern languages and spent time working in France.
I am a family man who came to politics late in my career. My three children now adults live some distance away so visits become special occasions, which makes them something my wife and I look forward to.
My work life has always focused on people, their education, personal development, working relationships, potential and optimising all of these areas.
I spent the first half of my career working towards a senior management role where I was able to influence the company culture. Later I was able to use this experience in providing advice to other organisations in areas such as leadership, teamwork, change and performance improvement through people.
Now my interests are mainly politics but when time allows, family life, walks with my wife Jan, travel, reading and sport fill time productively.
I suppose I could sum up my approach to the Council as feeling it could operate so much more effectively, use its excellent people much better, spend money more wisely on front line needs especially education. It is a sleeping giant that needs awakening, it has the potential to be a great organisation responsive to its customers, doing things efficiently What it needs is a catalyst to make things move in the right direction. I believe I could make that difference alongside colleagues.
What are the biggest issues in your ward?
The Local Development Plan proposes 4500 houses on Lisvane’s doorstep and that seems to me hugely out of proportion to what the area and its residents want and could cope with. Traffic heading to Cardiff Gate and the M4 use the village as a shortcut often described as a ‘rat run’. Speed of traffic and wear and tear on roads take their toll.
We are fortunate to enjoy a beautiful landscape which needs protection and maintenance.
What’s your favourite place in Cardiff and why?
The whole city centre, Principality Stadium experience is second to none, as visitors testify. But where do I spend much of my leisure time? In Parc Cefn Onn which has an unique ambience and history.
What do you think should be done to improve engagement in politics?
Engage at an early age with young people in school, not on national political issues but on local matters which mean a lot to young people and then take it wider as they develop through secondary school. Skills such as public speaking and debating are key to success in other areas of life and work.
What’s your favourite film?
Singing In The Rain.
If You’re Elected
What will you do to improve your ward?
Challenging and amending the LDP would make a huge impact. Otherwise the graft of day to day representation, that is getting things fixed! Also anticipating issues before they arise and cause problems.
Finding funds to improve local buildings would be greatly welcomed.
How will you communicate with residents in your ward?
I already include a report of my activities every month in the Lisvane Link which is read by 80% of local residents. For political issues I produce and deliver local newsletters.
What issues that affect the whole city would you like to get involved in?
LDP, City Deal, Central Station, rebuild relationship with business community, educational improvement, improvements in roads and public transport. In fact virtually everything.
Final Comments
What would you change about Cardiff and why?
Cardiff as a city is a great place to live and work. The problem is what some people want to do to it which would spoil its great city spirit and culture. My previous comments include examples.
Any final comments?
Individuals can make a difference and the right kid of city leadership can add so much value and contribute greatly to quality of life. I love Cardiff and if I can make a difference in keeping its unique features safe or enhanced then; what could be more rewarding? My total commitment is a given.
My Cardiff North 