I stood to be a councillor in 2022 because I was fed up of seeing systems fail the people who need them most.

Full statement

But over the last 4 years I’ve seen just how deep those failures go. There’s been far too many ways the council has failed people, sometimes with devastating impact.

I care deeply about people - whether I represent you, or not; whether you vote for me or not - and I work hard, sometimes fiercely advocating for residents and community organisations. But I shouldn’t have to - at least not for residents to have the bare minimum: communication.

Politicians need to dream bigger for Croydon, but that vision should start with getting the basics right at the council first. I want Croydon to have a caring council, and one that that puts power back into residents’ hands. I know only the Greens will deliver that.

Both Labour and the Conservatives have failed Croydon, bankrupting the council, having poor management and making bad decisions. Now bills continue to rise, and residents are paying 33% more in council tax, for less services – not even remotely touching the council's debt. Greens have consistently voted against council tax increases, and put forward budget amendments showing that some services didn’t need to be cut. We’ve advocated that the government needs to intervene when it comes to Croydon's debt – and now have the establishment parties agreeing.

Croydon is a borough with so much potential. I was born and raised in Croydon, and I live in Fairfield. I see the issues in the town centre every day, and I’m determined to bring it back to life and tidy up our neighbourhoods.

As a councillor I’ve enjoyed working alongside residents and campaigners to get their issues heard and resolved, particularly on housing, equality and environmental issues. You can find out more about what we’ve delivered on https://croydon.greenparty.org.uk/fairfield/ We listen to residents and actually take action.

With your vote and with more Greens, we can get more done – and there’s a lot to do. Different choices can be made: fairer, more compassionate ones, with residents. Vote Green.