Zenia Jamison

Councillor in Merton

I've always had a passion for social justice and wanted to improve the environment around me. I enjoy seeing change happen and get a real buzz when people say thank you.

Now, having been a councillor for two years, people see me in the street and stop to talk to me, not because they want something but because I am seen as part of the community. It all comes from what you put in.

I love loads of things about London. The range of communities means there's always something interesting going on somewhere and I like the fact that London's so culturally mixed. The cost of living in London is a big issue though, especially for those for whom London is their home town. I'm really thankful for shared ownership, if it wasn't for that I'd still be under my mum's feet.

Fitting my personal life with being a councillor was challenging at the beginning, but you get used to it. Recently I learnt how to drive which allows me to do so much more. I'm learning to ice skate too.

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.