About
I grew up in SW19, and have fond memories of looking for Wombles on the common, of playing tennis in Wimbledon Park, and helping to clear out the Wandle as a teenager.
My family’s financial troubles mean that we moved homes several times. I know what it’s like to live in a cold, privately-rented house, sharing a bedroom even as a teenager, reliant on benefits and vouchers to pay for school meals and school uniforms.
I was lucky - my school and family pushed me, and took advantage of the support the new Labour government had to offer to help me climb the ladder of opportunity, reaching a top university. I know what a difference a quality education can make.
Like many of my generation, home ownership in this area is out of the question if you’re not lucky enough to have family assets. But I’ve stayed here, raising my daughter and becoming active in my community.
Personal Life
I’ve dedicated my whole career to improving the lives of others. Since leaving university, I’ve always worked in the not-for-profit sector, working for leading research institutions. I’m a passionate advocate of evidence-based policy, having commissioned dozens of large-scale trials to understand “what works” to improve the education of disadvantaged children, and used those findings to influence schools and government. I’ve also held trustee roles in leading youth mental health and homelessness charities. Through these roles, I’ve seen the impact that austerity is having on our public services and vulnerable people.
I’ve led large teams and been responsible for budgets worth millions of pounds. I’ve worked with civil servants to make sure that our findings have led to government investment in effective programmes. I would use these analytical, communication and management skills to be an effective leader for Wimbledon.
Some of my written professional work includes: a post about education for young people with a social worker, a piece on the improvements seen in London schools, and reflections on teacher professional development.
Professional Life
I’m Deputy Leader of the Council and am used to delivering for residents, and fighting for what we need. I had responsibility for our education and children’s services for several years. During the pandemic, I made sure that we kept children safe, and delivered holiday vouchers for children eligible for Free School Meals, helping our poorest families avoid holiday hunger. Under my leadership, Merton secured its first “Outstanding” judgement for its children’s services, and we saw an increasing proportion of parents choosing to send their 11 year olds to Merton secondary schools as our great schools got even better.
In recent months, I’ve awarded millions of pounds to frontline charities and community projects, have relationships with businesses across the borough, and pushed through plans to invest in our high streets.
I can be trusted to make the right decisions for the people of Wimbledon, speaking up for those whose voices aren’t always heard. I’ve made the right calls, and been unafraid to stand up for what I believe in.
I delivered much needed-new schools for local and special needs children, in the face of political opposition.
I’ve worked with local police to keep residents safe, lobbied for better neighbourhood policing, and fought to keep both our borough’s police stations open.
I backed the plan for a new YMCA development, when the Tories were trying to get this historic charity to leave Wimbledon.
Local Leadership
I’ve never stood for an election that I didn’t win.
I was committed to fighting to represent my local wards in the council elections in 2018 and 2022, despite these being some of the most marginal wards in the borough. Each time I won - beating the Tories and then the Lib Dems.
I know what’s involved in campaigning effectively. It starts with a strong and focused team, and with a clear and compelling message. After that, it’s being willing to put in the hard work - knocking on as many doors as possible, being visible in the local community, getting our message out through letterboxes and electronically.