I am excited to stand in the 7th May local elections.

Full statement

I’m determined to make Rush Green and Crowlands a great place to grow up and grow old in. Our area has so much potential, but as a father with a young family I share residents’ determination that our streets should feel safer and cleaner.

I have already been fighting hard as part of the Labour Action Team for Rush Green and Crowlands - reporting fly-tipping in meetings with the Councils Enforcement Team, identifying speeding hotspots and engaging with officers on issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour and drugs.

Building a better Havering will only happen if we all work together. We should hold each other to high social standards - yet we should be wise to those who seek to exploit problems for their own gain rather than help solve them.

Across our Borough we need to make sure we have the transport infrastructure, public services and affordable housing in place that residents and families deserve. We also need a relentless focus on restoring Romford Town Centre to its former glory. The years of Conservative austerity - with pitiful investment and eye-watering cuts to council budgets, voted for by Rosindell - continue to hold us back.

Nationally I’ve stood up for the heartbeat of our communities – small businesses and community groups - who will play a critical role in regenerating our local economies. I have also led campaigns to support the most vulnerable children.

I'm now fighting locally to get Havering fit for the future - and to deliver that safer, cleaner, prouder Rush Green and Crowlands.