I have lived in Dagenham most of my life going to Robert Clack Comprehensive and what is now Barking & Dagenham College.

Full statement

I had various work experiences before studying at Heythrop College, University of London. In those days we received a grant now students take out loans and I understand how difficult the financial stress can be on students these days.

Dagenham has been Labour controlled from the year dot, indeed my parents voted Labour as theirs before them. I have also in the past voted Labour after all that's what people in Dagenham do. In recent years our local community has been the poor brother of Barking, our Civic Centre where we would go to pay rents and obtain advice from our Council has become a University.

I don't need to tell you our community has been almost abandoned by our Labour Council. You might think I would make you loads of promises of what Ben and I can achieve. I'M NOT! I make only One Promise, I will represent you and your needs - the needs of our Community. I will therefore always put the people of Village Ward First.