Bassam Mahfouz

Councillor in Ealing

I work as a parliamentary researcher and was motivated to get involved in local politics by the idea that I could change things for local people. I still live in the area where I grew up; community is very important to me. I see or experience first hand many of the issues my constituents come to me about.

There have been lots of small things that make the work as a councillor rewarding, but perhaps the biggest thing is when I travel past Northala Fields, the centrepiece of a new countryside park in Ealing. The council developed a new park on derelict land and it's a landmark as well as a beautiful space. Knowing that, with the backing of the community, I was part of the driving force to make it happen for generations to come makes me feel proud.

Balancing work and family life is important to me. I am engaged and will be getting married later this year. We met at sixth form college and it's important to me that I get to spend quality time with my fiancee and my father. I also like to go to the gym, enjoy the cinema and of course watch football with my friends whenever I can.

The best thing about living in London is that you've got the world on your doorstep. The one thing that I wish I could change would have been to see my mother survive cancer long enough to see me elected as a councillor. But other than that I regret nothing. I have learnt so much and get to meet so many different people; being a councillor is so rewarding.