I really enjoy living in West Hendon.

Full statement

Everyone is welcoming, the food is incredible and we are only a short tube ride away from some of the UK’s best live music venues. Many of my favourite places to walk are in the Barnet and Camden constituency: Hampstead Heath, the Dollis Valley Greenwalk and the Welsh Harp.

I have always had a keen interest in nature and the environment and feel passionately about creating a fairer society. This led me to a career in the charity sector, working for local, national and international organisations. I brought my experience to North London, where I have been active as a trustee of Barnet Mencap, treasurer of the West Hendon Arts and Culture Society, and a volunteer with the Friends of the Welsh Harp.

My experience tells me that, while charities do an amazing job of supporting people, animals, and environments, the issues facing our communities must be addressed through long term political solutions. The Green Party is the only political party offering policies that robustly address the challenges we face from the climate crisis and the growing gap between rich and poor.

Local people are frustrated by new housing developments, which put developers’ profits ahead of what local people actually want, or the needs of nature. I’ve joined campaigns to influence local planning decisions, including the campaign against the new silk stream bridge. If elected I will continue to campaign for the right homes, in the right places and at the right price.

I am passionate about reducing waste by repairing, re-using and recycling, and I have joined local “eco show and tell” events to share ways of repairing and re-using clothing and textiles. However, the Green Party will also campaign to create green jobs to recycle, re-use and repair more of the goods and services we need locally.

I am frustrated by the number of empty buildings on our high streets, while small and local businesses are forced to close due to the cost of living crisis. The Green Party champions small businesses and residents by helping high streets to thrive in affordable and sustainable ways.

Everyone I talk to in our communities cares deeply about where we live, and I want to give us a voice in City Hall on the issues impacting us. My career led me to support young people and people with learning disabilities to campaign for their rights, and for social and environmental justice. I will bring this experience to empower our communities and make sure no decisions are made about us without us.

As a Green politician on the London Assembly I would join my voice with our other Assembly Members to hold the Mayor to account on environmental and social justice issues and I will support our city in becoming a greener, fairer place for us all to live.