An Experienced Leader

I’m Deputy Leader of Merton Council and have a record of 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 low-income families, helping our poorest children 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 built relationships with local businesses, and allocated funds to invest in our local high streets.

A Local Champion

After growing up in poverty across SW19, and choosing to raise my family here, I understand the realities of calling Wimbledon home. I love Wimbledon, but I also know it can and should be a better place for us all to live in.

I will be a local champion for people in Wimbledon, speaking up for those whose voices aren’t always heard. On tough political decisions, I’ve made the right calls, and have been unafraid to stand up for what I believe in.

I delivered much-needed new schools for local children with additional needs, 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 Wimbledon police station open.

I backed the plan for a new YMCA, when the Tories were trying to get this historic charity to leave Wimbledon.

A Proven Winner

If Labour is to form the government we need, we must win in Wimbledon like we did in 1997. I’m a winning campaigner. I have twice beaten Tories and Lib Dems in marginal wards; succeeding where others have failed.

I gave up my job in the charity sector to concentrate on my duties as a councillor and campaigner. I’m out speaking to voters every week, and serving the community every day.