Marina Ahmad has lived in South London, including Brixton, for most of her adult life.

Full statement

She is a former Crystal Palace councillor, specialising in education, SEND issues and Early Years. She grew up in a council house, attending state schools, working to pay her way through university and later studying part-time to be a barrister whilst bringing up a family.

Marina has worked for local government, the NHS, the voluntary sector and in international development with street children and a community hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She founded the anti-racism organisation Race on the Agenda (ROTA). Most recently as a community development worker she has been based on a housing estate working with local parents and children.

Marina is a GMB member and committed trade union activist. She is the Chair of the GMB Southern Region Race Network.

Pledges:

Childhood poverty I will work to eliminate childhood poverty and childhood hunger in Lambeth and Southwark. The levels of poverty within the two boroughs is the basis for social issues and many of the difficulties families face.

Jobs I will work through City Hall to to rebuild the day and night time economy, local businesses and encourage investment to create jobs, training and opportunities. Young people in particular need help with finding work and building their experience for future careers.

Housing I will work with Lambeth and Southwark councillors to build social and affordable housing and use City Hall resources to tackle homelessness and a fairer deal for private renters.

Crime I will work to reduce levels of violent and gang crime by involving young people, local communities and agencies in planning strategies.

Environment I will work to reduce toxic air quality on Lambeth and Southwark main roads through improved transport infrastructure.

Anti-racism I will work to kick racist and far right groups and their activities out of Lambeth and Southwark by encouraging unity and cohesiveness in our local communities.