Lewisham is a fantastic place to live.

Full statement

Our strength is our people and they are a resource we need to harness to meet our challenges.

​Labour values run through my life and my public service. I was raised in London by a single mother, the first woman trade union shop steward in her workplace. I am proud to call Lewisham my home. It is where I chose to raise my children and where I have spent years serving our community. That experience has shaped how I lead and what I expect from the role of Mayor.

Lewisham needs leadership that can deliver on our shared Labour values.

After 14 years of Conservative austerity, local government has been forced to do more with less and make every decision count. For the past eight years I’ve served as Cabinet Member for Finance in Lewisham. Through austerity and COVID, I’ve been trusted with keeping the borough’s finances stable whilst protecting our Labour values and the people who rely on them the most. The next Mayor must be disciplined, collaborative, and focused on delivery. I am ready to lead from day one, with the experience and judgement to make the mayoralty work from the start.

​How I will lead Lewisham

I believe in practical solutions to real problems, rooted in Labour values and delivered through strong partnerships that get results quickly and fairly. As Mayor, I will work with residents, council staff, public services, and the voluntary and community sector to make Lewisham work better for everyone.

My approach is grounded in collaboration and delivery. That means listening carefully, setting clear priorities, and acting decisively when action is needed. It means focusing the mayoralty on outcomes that residents can see and feel in their daily lives.

My ambition is clear. A Lewisham where every child gets a fair start. Where every resident can live in a decent home. And where no one’s health or chances in life are limited by where they live. That ambition will guide my priorities as Mayor.