About Solene

I have lived and worked in East London for over 17 years and have long been vocal in campaigning with and on behalf of local resident groups.

Full statement

I am not a career politician, but a local and outspoken resident who has grown increasingly frustrated with party politicians who fail to attend community meetings, respond to emails or properly represent the people they were elected to serve. I believe I can do a better job of addressing residents’ concerns than the current Labour councillors, whom many feel are largely absent.

I care deeply about my neighbourhood and the diverse community that calls it home. I see serious issues being overlooked due to weak representation: a lack of meaningful engagement, overstretched GP services, large private-sector tower blocks, neglect of nature and green spaces, dangerously high air pollution, unsafe playgrounds and a shortage of spaces for young people. At the same time, the council continues to approve major unaffordable developments that will dramatically increase the ward’s population, without strengthening the already strained public services serving Lea Bridge.

What Solene stands for

Residents are being ignored.

Parents don’t even try calling the GP anymore — it’s overwhelmed and impossible to reach — so they’re forced to take their children straight to A&E.

Neighbours are worried about more than 10 tower blocks being built on contaminated Gasworks land, over six years and within the same half mile. Neighbouring 3 schools including 2 nurseries and no guarantees on monitoring air quality and toxic dust on and in homes.

Our green spaces are essential. They protect our health, preserve wildlife, clean polluted air, absorb heavy rainfall and help safeguard us on a flood plain. Building over them puts our future at risk.

The council appears quicker to cooperate with developers than to stand up for residents’ interests.

Poor transport planning is damaging daily life. We’ve lost a key bus route, there’s no service down Orient Way, trains are unreliable, and rushed LTNs and poorly designed cycle lanes are creating congestion and pollution. Local residents know these streets best — they must be at the heart of these decisions.

Meanwhile, community buildings sit closed and neglected. Jubilee Park Pavilion should reopen to serve all ages and abilities. The Waterworks Centre should once again be the vibrant educational hub and café our community deserves.