Our Candidates

I am standing as an independent candidate for Barkingside because our community needs strong local representation, not party politics. I have lived here nearly 20 years and raised my family locally. After a senior private sector career, I founded a business and served residents through community work. I will fight crime, overdevelopment, traffic and council failures.

I am standing as an independent candidate for Barkingside because residents deserve honest local representation, not party politics. I have lived here for many years after moving from France and understand local pressures. As a pharmacist working in frontline healthcare, I believe in evidence-led decisions. I will champion young people, improve SEND support, and challenge council failures.

I have lived in Redbridge since I was 16, including 20 years in South Woodford and since 2000 in Barkingside. My children attended local schools and I volunteered with the Air Cadets. I run a training company and IT rental business, volunteer at a food bank, and will fight overdevelopment, traffic problems, and give residents a stronger voice.

Hi, I’m Aba Kristilolu, a Redbridge resident, academic and community advocate with decades of international experience in education and social development. Having challenged injustice and stood up to the Home Office in court, I am committed to representing residents’ interests, defending fairness and ensuring our communities have a strong, independent voice.

Hi, I’m Muhammed Touseef Afzal, a Chadwell Heath resident and NHS pharmacy professional. I worked at King George Hospital and served on the frontline during COVID-19. I’m standing to represent local families, campaign for affordable housing, better GP access, and lower council tax, always putting residents before party politics.

Hi, I’m Arakoth. I’ve proudly called Chadwell Heath home for 14 years, raising my family and serving as a school governor, sports organiser and masjid committee member. As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, I value transparency and responsibility. I’m standing to improve youth services, support SEND families, and create safer, cleaner streets for residents.

Hi, I’m Ashburn. I’ve lived in Clayhall for almost 30 years and raised my family here, giving me a strong connection to our community. With a background in business and finance, I understand the pressures facing local families and businesses. My priorities are improving community safety, protecting local services, addressing housing and traffic pressures, and ensuring the council is transparent and accountable. I want to work with residents to keep Clayhall a safe, welcoming and thriving place for everyone in our community.

Hi, I’m Krishen. I’ve lived in Clayhall for around 35 years and raised my two daughters here, giving me a strong connection to our community. I worked for Redbridge Council for ten years and have over 40 years’ experience supporting local government, housing associations and charities. My priorities are reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, and tackling traffic and parking issues. I want to bring practical experience, honesty and transparency to help improve local services and ensure Clayhall residents always come first.

Hi, I’m Azizur. I’ve lived in Redbridge for nearly 20 years and am standing to put our community first. I run a small independent food bank supporting residents in crisis, with help from organisations such as Redbridge Islamic Centre. I’m also a professionally trained accountant with over 20 years’ experience in senior NHS finance roles. My priorities are tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, opposing overdevelopment, improving traffic and parking, and ensuring the council is transparent and accountable.

Hi, I’m Arif. I’ve lived in Redbridge for over 16 years and am proud to serve the Clementswood community. I work as a legal consultant and run the Noble Cause Foundation, a local charity and food bank supporting vulnerable families with food, advice and practical help during difficult times. My priorities are tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, strengthening support for struggling families, and building stronger community ties so Clementswood becomes safer, more caring and more united.

Hi, I’m Abdurahman. My family moved to Ilford in 1976 and I have lived here ever since, attending Cleveland Primary School and Valentines High School. I have practised as a barrister since 2001 specialising in immigration and human rights. I served in the Territorial Army and worked with the United Nations and OSCE in Kosovo. I am also active in advocacy for Palestinian human rights and committed to protecting local services, safety and fairness in our community.

Hi, I’m Fazlul. I’ve lived in Ilford for over 12 years and care deeply about our community. I bring over 20 years’ experience as a senior manager in local government and have previously served as a councillor, so I understand how council decisions affect residents. I’ve also volunteered locally, supporting food banks, tenants’ groups and community initiatives. My priorities are affordable housing, safer and cleaner streets, better access to jobs and training, and holding the council accountable to local residents.

Hi, I’m Mohamed. I have lived in Redbridge for 20 years and run an Ilford-based accountancy and tax advisory firm, with over 25 years’ experience in finance and technology. I mentor young people, lead a Scout section and help run a local food bank. My priorities are supporting small businesses, promoting youth development and sustainability, and making our neighbourhoods safer.

Hi, I’m Feza. I’ve lived in Redbridge for almost 36 years and have been actively involved in community and voluntary work. With a background in public health and MedTech consultancy, I understand the importance of strong services. My priorities are supporting young people, improving healthcare access, and ensuring safe streets and public spaces.

Hi, I’m Tahreem. I have worked in Redbridge for many years and am deeply involved in community initiatives supporting families, women and young people. As a community organiser and campaigner, I have led grassroots projects across the borough. I am standing to champion safer streets, protect local services and ensure council decisions are fair, transparent and focused on residents.

Hi, I’m Shorful. I’ve lived in Goodmayes for 16 years with my family and am deeply connected to our community. I run a data consultancy and previously worked in senior roles across technology, media and the NHS after completing my PhD in Psychology. I have also served as Chairman of 7th Goodmayes Scouts and support several charities. My priorities are improving public safety, strengthening health services and tackling street litter and fly-tipping to keep Goodmayes clean, safe and thriving.

Hi, I’m Humera. I’ve lived in Goodmayes for 19 years and have studied and worked locally, giving me a strong connection to our community. I work as a Housing Enforcement Officer and run a small business, giving me insight into housing issues residents face. My priorities are safer streets, improving housing standards and supporting education. I want to be a strong, approachable voice for residents and work to make Goodmayes a safer, fairer and more supportive place for families.

Hi, I’m Amina. I’ve lived in Redbridge since 2009 and in the Newbury and Seven Kings area since 2017. As a local mother with children in secondary school, I understand the everyday challenges families face. I have volunteered at the local library helping residents build digital skills and confidence. My priorities are improving housing support, cleaner streets and parks, and stronger education services so our community remains supportive, safe and full of opportunity.

Hi, I’m Firoz, and I’m standing for Ilford Town to ensure the council works for residents, not party interests. I live locally and care deeply about the everyday issues that affect our community, including safer streets, cleaner public spaces, reliable services and fair decisions that genuinely improve lives.

I’m a dad of two and a former school governor at Christchurch School, and I volunteer with our local food bank. For more than 30 years, I worked with charities internationally, supporting vulnerable communities and helping ordinary people secure fair treatment. I will bring that practical, listening-first approach to Ilford Town, offering visible, accountable and community-focused leadership.

Hi, I’m Hossain. I’ve proudly called Ilford home since 2017 and am committed to serving the residents of Ilford Town Centre. I am a community organiser, small business owner and father of two, and I understand the pressures facing local families and traders.

I have been actively involved in community work for many years, organising cultural events and supporting residents in times of need. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I actively worked in Ilford as a member of the GNF group. Together with other volunteers, we faced many challenges while delivering food and essential supplies to vulnerable residents. Despite the risks and difficulties, we remained dedicated to supporting our community and helping those most in need.

Hi, I’m Ramona. I have lived in Ilford for 15 years and worked at Loxford Primary School for 14 years, building strong relationships with families, pupils and staff. As a cover teacher and local parent, I understand the challenges residents face. My priorities are supporting schools and young people, protecting vital local services, and ensuring our streets and public spaces are safe, clean and welcoming. I am committed to listening to residents and serving our community with integrity and care. As an east European living in this community, I have noticed that many people struggle to connect with their local council representatives. I want to help bridge that gap and make sure that those who feel unheard have someone willing to speak up for them.

Hi, I’m Iqbal. I have lived in Redbridge for over 22 years and worked for central government as a civil servant for two decades, while also running a small business. I understand the everyday pressures residents face with housing, services and local regulations. My priorities are affordable housing, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, supporting youth centres, and improving the parking permit system. I believe residents deserve practical, common-sense representation that holds the council accountable.

Hi, I’m Ruthba. I’m a mother of two and a long-standing Redbridge resident who cares deeply about our community. Through my work in education and frontline public service, I have supported families with housing, welfare and essential services. I founded the Clean Up Ilford Lane campaign and have worked with residents to protect local services. My priorities are easing cost-of-living pressures, safer and cleaner streets, and fair access to housing and local services.

Hi, I’m Cllr Noor Jahan Begum. I live in Redbridge and work as a commissioner in health and social care, tackling poverty, health inequality and financial exclusion. As a community activist and organiser, I have campaigned on knife crime, NHS services, housing, the cost of living and workers’ rights. I was elected as your Mayfield councillor in 2025 and remain committed to improving public services, strengthening community voice and ensuring fairness, accountability and opportunity for all residents across Redbridge. Re-elect me on 7th May along with my two colleagues, Bilal and Edreis, so we have a strong team for Mayfield.

Hi, I’m Bilal. I’ve lived in Mayfield my whole life and grew up using local spaces like Loxford Youth Centre and supporting community charity events. I now run my own business and remain committed to the area that raised me. My priorities are improving services for SEND families, creating more opportunities for young people, and tackling littering in our neighbourhood. I want to bring common sense, compassion and a fresh local voice to ensure Mayfield is cleaner, fairer and better for residents.

Hi, I’m Edreis. I’ve lived in Redbridge for nearly 34 years and attended local schools including Downshall Primary and Seven Kings High. With a background in engineering and project management, I bring practical experience solving complex problems. My priorities are tackling anti-social behaviour, improving housing standards, and addressing traffic, parking and road conditions. I want to work with residents to ensure Mayfield remains a safe, well-maintained and welcoming neighbourhood where families, businesses and the wider community can thrive.

Hi, I’m Tanvir. I’ve lived in Redbridge for over 35 years and in Newbury Park for more than 10 years. My children attend Seven Kings School and I volunteer within the school community and at our local mosque, supporting families and young people. I run an online travel business and understand the importance of practical problem solving. My priorities are improving community safety, lowering council tax pressures, protecting local services, and promoting greener spaces so Newbury Park remains a safe, welcoming and thriving neighbourhood.

Hi, I’m Aslam. I’ve lived in Redbridge since 2009 and in Newbury ward since 2017. As a father with children in local schools, I understand the everyday concerns facing families. I work as an IT professional with over 15 years’ experience solving complex problems. My priorities are safer streets, cleaner neighbourhoods and better local services. I want to bring practical problem-solving, transparency and accountability to the council, ensuring Newbury residents are properly listened to and represented.

Hi, I’m Winslow Green. I’ve lived in Ilford for over 40 years, raised my family here and served in community and sports leadership roles. As a retired civil servant and former business owner, I bring experience in public service and practical decision-making. My priorities are securing a better deal for seniors and disabled residents, protecting local services and community spaces, and creating opportunities that support young people and help them build brighter futures.

Hi, I’m Imran. I’ve lived in Redbridge for 25 years and have been a doctor for 20 years, worked locally as a GP for 7 years, supporting patients through local hospitals, GP surgeries and out-of-hours services. I’m passionate about improving healthcare, ensuring safe streets and reviewing overdevelopment in our area. I want to work with residents to build a healthier, safer and stronger community for everyone.

Hi, I’m Rayhana. I’ve lived and worked in Redbridge for 11 years as a local GP, caring for residents and understanding the challenges families face. As a mother with children in local schools, I care deeply about our community and its future. My priorities are affordable housing, protecting vital local services and ensuring our streets and public spaces are safe and welcoming. I want to bring compassion, practical experience and a strong community voice to represent residents and help build a healthier, safer and more supportive neighbourhood.

Hi, I’m Kes. I’ve lived in Seven Kings since 2009 and have worked in the NHS while also serving as a foster carer. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the pressures facing local families. My priorities are tackling overdevelopment, improving street cleanliness and safety, and investing in youth services and opportunities. I believe Seven Kings deserves strong local representation that listens to residents and focuses on practical solutions that improve everyday life.

i, I’m Munaf. I’ve lived in Ilford since 2012 and in East London since childhood, with my children attending local schools from primary through sixth form. Having worked as a qualified accountant in the City of London, I understand the economic pressures families and businesses face. My priorities are safe and clean streets, stronger education services and improved local healthcare, including expanding services at King George Hospital. I’m proud of our community around Valentines Park and want to help it remain a healthy, safe and vibrant place for families.

Hi, I’m Rashida. I’ve lived in Redbridge since 2009 and have over 30 years’ experience in public service, working to improve services and outcomes for communities. I’m passionate about supporting residents through challenges around employment, parking and substance misuse. I want to bring practical solutions and strong local representation to help improve Valentines, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and make our ward a safer, healthier place for everyone.

Hi, I’m Marwan. I’ve lived in Valentines Ward for 15 years and have spent much of my life working locally in education supporting young people. I’m a university lecturer and former secondary school teacher. I volunteer locally, coach football at Frenford and am a regular at Valentines Parkrun. I care deeply about our ward and neighbours. My priorities are safer streets and protecting our parks.