Edmond Yeo

Councillor in Ealing

My interest in politics goes back to when I was a very young boy in Malaysia and I saw the disparity that power can bring. I realised people with power can steer the course of things. The UK Chinese community is quite small and insular and when I returned to England after working abroad for many years I found there hadn't been much political progression. Our Chinese community were still disengaged and voiceless.

I was first elected as a councillor in 2006. I understood how the political system works with surgeries and casework from constituents because when I came to England as a student in the 80's I did a stint with a Member of Parliament (MP) as his assistant. I still got a lot of help from my colleagues and the support officers at the council. But the initiative is always to ask what you need to know to get the job done.

It is challenging to balance work, family and being a councillor. But my children have grown up so the demand on my time is not as intensive now. Overall it's a matter of priorities and being organised. I find being a councillor can be intruding in a normal working day because people don't realise you're not available 24/7, that you do have a job too. But you get used to it and you can quickly become an expert in knowing how to deal with enquiries.

I wish I'd started earlier. You go through school then you get your degree and your job and you need to concentrate on your career - politics doesn't fit - find me a gap! But your life experience means you are ready to offer more because you're not just an expert in one thing.

I would say to people, get involved and get interested because you have to be involved to make a difference.