"Our London"

Londoners will be electing Mayor of London and London Assembly Members in May 2016. The Mayoral post is a significant one as the Executive Mayor of London is in charge of policies and funding which ‘shapes’ London as a metropolis and shapes peoples’ lives too. Labour has an impressive range of candidates already lined up seeking the Party’s ticket to stand for this powerful post.

As the Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, for the last 7 years, I’ve witnessed crisis after crisis under Tory administration culmination in poor services for Londoners. It is time we have a Mayor of London with real ideas, vision and track record that will serve ALL Londoners – not just the Bankers and Millionaires. That is why I’m proud to be backing Tessa Jowell in her bid to become the Mayor of London.

Tessa was born in London, raised her family here and has worked in London all her life - no surprise she loves London dearly. Tessa’s extensive experience ranging from being a childcare officer, work with mental health charity, a Councillor and distinguished career as an MP makes her a perfect choice to lead London as its Mayor. As Shadow Minister for Olympics Tessa volunteered in the slums of India as part of London’s international outreach programme. She keenly participated in this project to encourage young people to play football in the slums of Southern Delhi. She also volunteered at a residential camp for children in Mumbai. Through her work Tessa commands respect and wider support crossing normal party political divides.

‘One London’ vision of Tessa is designed to make London equal and better place to live and work for ALL Londoners. On her vision Tessa says “The inequality in our city risks tearing Londoners apart – we all feel it. But we can change that. Together we can build One London. Where we all share in our City’s success. Where Londoners have a quality of life to rival anywhere in the world, and where no Londoner is left behind. We have to build the homes Londoners desperately need. We have to provide the affordable transport that Londoners can rely on. And we need to unleash our city’s potential, by providing real opportunity for all Londoners. That’s what building One London is all about”

Across London Tessa’s Team is organising ‘Tell Tessa’ events where she listens to local community, talks about her vision for London and invites people to talk about their own experiences, concerns, ideas and priorities for the areas they live and work in. I attended last week one such event held at the Sattavis Patidar Centre when Tessa focussed on low pay and listened to the views on her policy to raise the London Minimum Wage. Residents of Brent and Harrow raised a number of issues such as deprivation (food banks), private rented sector, shortage of school places, low wages in retail sector, Outer London Boroughs, Transport; EU referendum and immigration. Reflecting to the response from Tessa to what turned out to be a very vocal gathering with passionate and strong views to improve London I’m convinced that Tessa is the kind of Mayor London needs. Someone with a massive track-record, passion and someone who would take inequalities head on to improve quality of Life of Londoners.