Trade union activist Mick Gilgunn has been selected as Islington Labour’s candidate to contest the Tollington by-election on Thursday 1st July.

Full statement

A lifelong activist and advocate of workers’ rights, Mick has played his part in campaigns from defending Council housing and the Whittington Hospital through to workplace activism as a member of Unite the Union and Chair of Islington Trade Union Council.

Mick works in a maintenance department at a London university and has lived in Islington for over two decades. He is passionately committed to the rights of private renters, reducing health inequalities, and tackling the climate crisis.

Mick Gilgunn, Islington Labour’s candidate for the Tollington by-election, said:

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to stand for election and represent our wonderful community here in Tollington. Our borough is a fantastic place to live and work, but the impact of Tory austerity leaves us with so many challenges in the years ahead – from cutting crime to building the affordable homes we so urgently need.

“If elected, I will work hard to support the Council’s bold action to protect the environment with more school streets and a new generation of high-quality, skilled, green jobs for our young people. I’ll also do everything in my power to save our NHS, campaigning against the privatisation of GP surgeries and defending local services.

“I’m so looking forward to working with Tollington’s fantastic Councillors – Anjna Khurana and Flora Williamson – and the whole Islington Labour team to help make our borough the best place to grow up and grow old in.”

The 1st July poll will take place following the resignation of Richard Watts as ward Councillor. Residents wishing to register for a postal vote can do so here.