I have lived in the borough of Kingston since 1974 and in New Malden for over 30 years.

Full statement

Since my retirement from primary school teaching in 2016 one of the first things I did was to become a Labour party member, becoming active in the party shortly afterwards as a local election candidate and as joint secretary for Kingston and Surbiton CLP. My other community involvement is with Kingston Environment Centre where after becoming a director in 2019 I recently took over as Chairperson. I am also the lead volunteer on our recycling, gardening and weekly Community Fridge projects.
One of my main priorities as Chairperson has been to make good use of the building as a low cost, inclusive meeting place for a wide range of community groups so that now we have an almost full timetable with cycling, mental health, exercise and senior citizens groups meeting regularly as well as the Square1 café and an after school club.
My background with Kingston Environment Centre and other voluntary groups has given me an insight into how many people in New Malden are struggling financially, with mental health issues, poor living conditions, council services that do not work for them, traffic congestion, leading to increased air pollution and a distinct lack of provision for children and young people that does not cost a fortune. I believe that Labour has the best policies to tackle these issues.
Taking other Labour councils in South West London as a lead as a Labour councillor I would push for genuine value for money for residents. Thousands of pounds have been wasted on plans and consultations without any results, the Fountain Roundabout being a prime example of this. I would also work on communicating council decisions effectively to residents. As the local Labour manifesto says:
Labour will aim to “Improve transparency and democracy by giving residents clear, accessible information on council structures and how to contact officers, so everyone can engage effectively with local decision-making”.
Finally, I believe everyone should have a chance to vote for their preferred party so my advice to voters is there is no need to vote tactically, vote for the party with the policies that you agree with.