Who I am Upbringing - I am originally from ‘Nottingdale’, in North Kensington.

Full statement

I grew up in social housing on the edge of Edward Woods Estate, a stone’s throw from multi-million-pound houses and vast wealth. Kensington and Chelsea was and still is one of the boroughs with the largest divide between the richest and poorest residents. Disparity like this is something that spurred me to always vote for the Labour Party and eventually join it to campaign for a more equal society for everyone.

Hanwell Resident - I have been proud to call the borough of Ealing home for the last 15 years. The past 9 years of which have been in Hanwell (Hobbayne Ward), where I have been an active member of this vibrant community. Being a local resident, I feel from the offset that I would be a highly visible Labour councillor. From my door to door canvassing and local volunteering I feel I already have a good understanding and grasp of immediate issues that need to be addressed and dealt with.

Community support - The Covid19 pandemic has put increased pressure and stress on our local community. The importance of looking after each other and supporting our vulnerable and shielding residents is at the forefront. Throughout the various lockdowns I have volunteered to support our more vulnerable members of the community by running errands and offering support where needed.

Local parent - My son was less than a year old when I took the plunge and joined the Labour Party. As a mother of a young baby I became more determined than ever to want change and create a more equal society with opportunities for all. He now attends a local school in Hanwell that I am an active participant in.

Campaigning – Right from the start of my membership I became an active local Labour Party member. I have canvassed and campaigned for Local, London and General Election campaigns. This has been both locally and neighbouring constituencies. I have knocked door to door across the Hobbayne Ward listening to the community that I call home. Listening to our Hobbayne residents has urged me to want to represent them and become a councillor.

Labour Party – I have been an active member of Hobbayne Branch, representing Hobbayne as a delegate, as well as being Chair, Secretary and helping to co-ordinate the general election campaign 2019. At CLP level I have held positions as Communications Officer, CLP Secretary and was the lead delegate at the Labour Party Conference 2019.

Trade Unions – I have been a member of TSSA whilst at TfL and am now a member of Community as a self-employed business owner. Now more than ever, trade unions will play a vital role in supporting workers’ rights.

Work & Education – I am also the proud product of a Ladbroke Grove comprehensive education. I started my working life at 18 as I unfortunately did not have the means to go to university. Later, I got the opportunity to become a mature student fully funded by my employer. I studied Marketing and Communication with the London School of Marketing at Imperial College London. I have worked for many years as a communications and marketing professional for both corporate, charity (WaterAid) and public sector (TfL) organisations. I also run my own ceramics business which is a nod to the local area called ‘Made in Hanwell’.

Supporting our Diverse Community – I am a product of migration myself being the Granddaughter of Irish immigrants. Our family over generations has become multicultural and is very much a reflection of our local community. I am immensely proud of this and totally appreciate the contribution made to our community, city and country by people from all over the world. What I stand for A strong Labour Council empowered to defend local services against the continued Tory lead austerity and cuts to council finances. Fighting for the council to be properly funded by Central Government to enable a full economic recovery from the ravages of covid19.

Support local education to ensure we have well-equipped schools with properly trained and well compensated teachers. To support and promote all school children’s well-being and academic success following the effects of prolonged lockdown due to the pandemic.

End to University Fees – Unfortunately, I didn’t have the means to go to University when I finished my A-Levels. I was lucky enough to go back as a mature student, fully funded by my employer. Not everyone is always so lucky. Education is something I feel passionately about and believe everyone should have the right to a further education regardless of background and means.

Genuinely more affordable housing. Local house prices are now totally unaffordable for anyone on a normal income and the privately rented housing market is expensive and insecure for tenants. The pandemic has highlighted even more the need to address these housing issues. My upbringing has been in social housing so I personally know that this can be key to giving you the best start in life.

Defending the NHS and maintaining Ealing Hospital – whilst the government changed it’s mind on Ealing Hospital, we have to continue to defend the local NHS services and stop individual services being eroded away or privatised.

Supporting our Community. I believe my upbringing has instilled the passion and drive in me to be an effective Labour Councillor in my home ward of Hobbayne. I want to dedicate myself to listening and subsequently giving residents a voice on community issues they feel passionately about. I am committed to the community of Hanwell and would be honoured to represent them in the Hobbayne Ward as a Labour Councillor.