


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."

"I’d always been quite politically minded, so I went to my local party office and got involved."

"Everyone can bring something different to their community. If I can, you can!"

"There are lots of very good talkers in politics and not as many good listeners. I wanted to change that in a small way."

"Every time I help someone it makes me feel good. I find it very rewarding."

"I'm determined the next generation shouldn't face the same problems we did. I think it's right that I put something back."


"Being a councillor is a great privilege and is a very worthwhile and rewarding experience."

"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."

"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."

"The diversity and the can-do attitude make London a very exciting place and if you believe in something you need to get involved."

"As a Councillor you put in as much work as you want. The harder you work - the more you get back."

"Would I recommend standing as a councillor? Undoubtedly yes."

"What makes it worthwhile is when constituents say thanks. It makes all the meetings, paper work and long hours seem very worthwhile."

"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."

"I would recommend standing for your local Council, it is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made."

"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."

"If you tell the truth, speak from the heart and talk common sense, then people will listen."

"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."

"When things change and you know it’s because of you, it’s a great feeling."

"Every time you make even the smallest difference to someone's life it makes being a councillor worthwhile."

"The council needs a range of skills, and my work as a teacher means I can see things from a younger person’s perspective."

"You have to be strong in your views and know what you stand for and why you’re there."


"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."

"It was great to be able to show local people that their actions could make change happen."

"I am now able to make and change policies for the betterment of my local community."

"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."

"I know I have made a difference to my council, and through that, my community will be a better place."

"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."

"Community is very important to me. I see or experience first hand many of the issues my constituents come to me about."

"There’s an immense sense of satisfaction from helping people, doing what I can to make their lives a little better."

"I work hard on the side of local people. Together, we can achieve their aspirations for where they want to live."

"I like proving to people that we can change the world we live in."

"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!"

"Being a councillor and a mum are the two best things I have ever done."

"I particularly enjoy working with residents to help solve some of the problems they bring to me"

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