Matt Cooke

Councillor in Haringey

I currently run a busy office in Westminster but I used to be a musician which meant I got to travel a lot. I've seen a lot of cities across the world, but for me London stands apart as the greatest city in the world. Its diversity is incredible and there's always so much going on.

As a student I was President of the University of London Union and I'd been a party member for some time when I began to think more could be done in the ward where I live to engage and advocate for the community. Eventually I thought I should do more than just talk about it - so I stood, and won.

I think I'm lucky to live in the ward I represent, I love my area, but that does mean my council and domestic lives are never very far apart.

In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, (I run and play squash) spending time with my friends and keeping up with London's amazing arts scene.

'Being a local councillor gives you the chance to transform your local community by unlocking the ideas and vision of the people within it. What is more important than that?'