I love Kingston’s strong sense of community, its diverse culture, rich heritage, and the beautiful green spaces and riverside.

Full statement

I first moved to Kingston in 2008 to study at Kingston University, and it quickly became home. Now I enjoy those same parks and riverside walks with my lovely daughter.

I worked in the voluntary sector in Kingston for over a decade and currently serve as a trustee of a local disability charity. I have also worked with the Kingston and Richmond NHS UNISON branch, supporting health workers and advocating for strong public services. Through this work I see every day how vital our local services and community organisations are.

I have been an active campaigner for equal rights, and if elected I will champion access and inclusion across our borough. Disabled people should never be excluded from participating fully in community life, yet too often they still are. I want to help change that so Kingston truly works for everyone.

I am passionate about tackling issues that matter deeply to residents. I have campaigned on environmental issues such as sewage pollution in our rivers, including visiting the Hogsmill sewage treatment works, because our natural spaces must be protected for future generations. I have also campaigned nationally to improve access to affordable childcare so families can thrive and parents are properly supported. I am proud that Labour is delivering support such as free school meals for those who need them and new breakfast clubs for children.

Housing is another urgent issue. Kingston currently has over 1,000 children living in temporary accommodation. I will fight for investment in good homes and strong public services, because these are essential for a society that is caring, fair and supportive.

Our high streets and shop parades are the heart of our communities. I want to help them thrive by backing local businesses and introducing community wealth building so more money stays and circulates in our local economy.

Kingston residents have now experienced two full terms of Liberal Democrat council control. Labour believes Kingston should be a borough that puts community at the heart of decision-making – a place where everyone who lives and works here can thrive.

The Labour government and the Mayor of London are already working hard to repair over a decade of cuts and neglect, investing in public services and infrastructure. Kingston deserves a stronger Labour voice locally to ensure our borough benefits from that investment.

I am proud to stand on the platform of our local manifesto: “A Borough That Works for Everyone.”

Real change happens when national progress and local action work together.