be a councillor
Shan Alexander
- Retired Civil Servant
- Mother and grandmother
- Magistrate
- Local councillor
"I never saw any obstacle to becoming the first Asian mayor."
Other councillor profiles
Gary Adams
"I’d always been quite politically minded, so I went to my local party office and got involved."
Sabina Alam
"Everyone can bring something different to their community. If I can, you can!"
Heidi Alexander
"There are lots of very good talkers in politics and not as many good listeners. I wanted to change that in a small way."
Anjana Patel
"Every time I help someone it makes me feel good. I find it very rewarding."
Florence Nosegbe
"I'm determined the next generation shouldn't face the same problems we did. I think it's right that I put something back."
Clarence Barrett
"Being a councillor is a great privilege and is a very worthwhile and rewarding experience."
Matt Cooke
"I think every community has all it needs within itself to better the area around it and I see what a positive role a councillor can play in helping that come about."
Sara Bashford
"When somebody comes to you with a problem that’s affecting their life in a big way you can help, sometimes just by making a couple of calls."
James Allie
"The diversity and the can-do attitude make London a very exciting place and if you believe in something you need to get involved."
Becky Brunskill
"As a Councillor you put in as much work as you want. The harder you work - the more you get back."
Vincenzo Capozzoli
"Would I recommend standing as a councillor? Undoubtedly yes."
Laura Sheppard
"What makes it worthwhile is when constituents say thanks. It makes all the meetings, paper work and long hours seem very worthwhile."
Evelyn Carpenter
"It’s a privilege to help local people through case work. I am able to make a real difference for those who really need help."
Peter Chapman
"I would recommend standing for your local Council, it is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made."
Pauline Tunniclife
"When I won my seat it was a wonderful feeling, the trust so many people had placed in me in response to getting out, knocking on doors and listening to people."
Randy Conteh
"If you tell the truth, speak from the heart and talk common sense, then people will listen."
Nick Cuff
"You never stop learning in this job. There is no point regretting what’s happened, you just have to make sure it goes better next time."
Tom Day
"When things change and you know it’s because of you, it’s a great feeling."
Feryat Demirci
"Every time you make even the smallest difference to someone's life it makes being a councillor worthwhile."
Kirsty Duncombe
"The council needs a range of skills, and my work as a teacher means I can see things from a younger person’s perspective."
Denise Headley
"You have to be strong in your views and know what you stand for and why you’re there."
Zenia Jamison
"Being a councillor is not as routine as I thought it would be, no two weeks ever seem the same and that makes it all the more interesting."
Darren Johnson
"It was great to be able to show local people that their actions could make change happen."
Shiria Khatun
"I am now able to make and change policies for the betterment of my local community."
Patrick Kitterick
"My favourite part of the job is being part of changing my city and making good things happen that simply wouldn’t if I wasn’t there."
Kate Kravis
"I know I have made a difference to my council, and through that, my community will be a better place."
Abigail Lock
"I really want to encourage people to become councillors. People need to know that it’s not an easy job but it’s so rewarding."
Bassam Mahfouz
"Community is very important to me. I see or experience first hand many of the issues my constituents come to me about."
Krystal Miller
"There’s an immense sense of satisfaction from helping people, doing what I can to make their lives a little better."
Henri Murison
"I work hard on the side of local people. Together, we can achieve their aspirations for where they want to live."
Donal OHanlon
"I like proving to people that we can change the world we live in."
Marianne Overton
"It is important that we have councillors who care, are prepared to speak for their communities and have integrity – people like you. Go for it!"
Marie Pye
"Being a councillor and a mum are the two best things I have ever done."
Blaine Robin
"I particularly enjoy working with residents to help solve some of the problems they bring to me"
Edmond Yeo
"I would say to people, get involved and get interested because you have to be involved to make a difference."