I am an Islington resident of over 15 years, with a family history in the Irish community of Junction Ward.

Full statement

I am not from a traditional political background, so my motivation comes purely from being a resident myself and witnessing first hand the problems that impact our communities. I am standing to represent my fellow residents and give them a voice in Islington Town Hall. I am also very proud to be part of a community that stands so strongly in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and to have signed Islington PSC's Candidate Pledge for Palestine.

My background is in arts education, and I have worked locally for many years, including mentoring at the National Youth Theatre on Holloway Road, helping young people build confidence, find their voice, and develop skills for life. I have seen first hand the ways in which art changes and enriches lives, particularly for those struggling elsewhere in their lives with housing, health, or access to education. Cultural spaces are something that everyone should have access to and it is heartening to hear from Junction residents that there is already lots of support for the development of an arts centre in Archway.

In Summer 2024, I replied to a call out for volunteers to help elect Jeremy Corbyn as an Independent MP. I had always voted for Jeremy, and felt it my duty to help ensure his victory. I will never forget how nervous I was walking into his office, only to find that I was fully embraced by the whole team. Following Jeremy’s election victory, I became involved in Jeremy’s regular community meetings, working diligently behind the scenes to co-organise and facilitate on topics affecting local residents, such as housing conditions, health and worker’s rights. In Islington, we are lucky to have so many incredible activists, and I have been proud to support local campaigns, including collaborating with my incredible colleague Cllr. Ilkay Cinko-Oner to set up a desperately needed Parents & Carers Union, and supporting Shirley Franklin, founder of Defend the Whittington Coalition, in her unwavering campaign to fight against the defunding of our local hospital, and for a publicly owned NHS.

As someone who always wanted to be more involved locally, but didn’t know how and worried about feeling like an imposter, I understand what it’s like to be a frustrated resident with seemingly no say in what happens on my doorstep. I will be a councillor who bridges that gap, someone who listens, brings people together, and ensures decisions reflect the actual needs and experiences of Junction communities.

Being asked to be a part of ICI has been an honour; a local party solely for Islington residents, founded by four former Labour councillors who made the tough decision to stand by their principles, when it would have been much easier to stay quiet and do nothing.

If elected, I will work for a council that is transparent, accessible, and genuinely responsive. I will stand up for Junction residents and work to build a fairer, more compassionate Islington for everyone.