With the local elections coming up in Wandsworth on 3 May next year, we thought we’ tell you a little more about ourselves and our interests (both in and out of politics!) so that you can get to know us a little better.
Cllr Fleur Anderson
What are your interests (outside of politics): I have four children and love getting interested in what they are interested in. I’m in a book club (we don’t actually discuss the books a lot!), love cycling, going to free events in London and walking my dog on Tooting Common.
What national Labour achievement are you most proud of, and why? I can’t just have one!! Sure Start was a major achievement. Sure Start centres across the country supported young families and changed life chances at the pre-school time that can make most difference. Sure Start centres built stronger communities and made peoples’ lives better. I’m still so angry that the Tories came into government and closed most down.
The other Labour Government achievement I am proud was being global leaders on international development and making a commitment to spend 0.7% of our GDP on aid. I’m glad that the Tories have also supported this commitment as for little money we do save lives around the world. I’ve been fortunate enough to see a lot of the government’s development work in action when I worked for Water Aid.
What’s on your 2018 wishlist? I was very honoured to elected as a councillor in 2014 and to serve my local community. I have worked hard, learnt so much, tried to be as actively involved in standing up for people, supporting community groups and making changes that make our local area an even better place to live. After 40 years of Tory Wandsworth it’s time for a change and Labour Wandsworth would keep the same low council tax, listen to residents more, get out of the pockets of developers, and stand up against school cuts and for EU citizens. So winning the Council is top of my wish list for 2018.
Aside from that I have double exams in my family this year – A levels and GCSEs, so getting to July in one piece will be a success!
Clare Fraser
What are your interests (outside of politics): When not out campaigning with the Labour party I play for a nearby hockey team, enjoy running round Tooting Common and in the summer months love going to Tooting Lido. I also enjoy discovering new places in London and going to see live music.
What national Labour achievement (national) are you most proud of, and why? As Fleur says, it’s difficult to have just one. As a woman involved in politics, I am proud of the achievement made by Barbara Castle in introducing the Equal Pay Act. Also, the passing of the National Minimum Wage Act and the investment made by Labour in education and teaching staff over the years are achievements I’m particularly proud of.
What’s on your 2018 wishlist? Being selected as a candidate has been one of my proudest achievements to date and it’s great being part of a Labour team in Wandsworth who are all listening to residents across the borough. I’m looking forward to continuing to work together to get elected and help Labour win Wandsworth Council in May 2018.
I also like to set myself a challenge to complete (the last 2 years it has been the London Triathlon) and am currently trying to pin down what I should do in 2018. My favourite element of the triathlon is the swim leg, and I really enjoyed participating in the first Serpentine Swim in 2016, so I may sign up for the longer distance swim in 2018.
Hector Wakefield
What are your interests: Outside of politics I enjoy reading, climbing, and the occasional bit of woodwork. I am a qualified skydiver and my long-term aim is to one day fly a wingsuit down an alpine mountain. Only another 600 jumps or so to go!
What national Labour achievement are you most proud of, and why? From when Labour were last in government, civil partnerships and the minimum wage were hugely important steps forward. From more recently, I am incredibly proud of Labour’s 2017 manifesto. It was full of progressive and fair ideas to make life in the UK better for everyone.
What’s on your 2018 wishlist? In 2018 I have two goals – get married, and get elected. How hard can that be. I am lucky enough to have found my soulmate and we are tying the knot in 2018. I hope the luck continues and Wandsworth Labour Party take control of Wandsworth Council. I am confident this will happen, and when it does there’s no end to the improvements we can make for so many of our 300,000+ residents.