On 10 October 2024, residents in the South Acton ward will take part in a by-election to vote for a new ward councillor.
EALING.NEWS has asked all candidates standing 7 questions about who they are, what they hope to deliver and why they want residents to vote for them.
Andrew Walkley standing for the Green Party in South Acton answers the 7 questions:
Tell us a bit about yourself, your priorities for the ward and why you want to be councillor for South Acton?
My first priority would be to represent constituents and help them resolve the problems they present to me in councillor surgeries. More generally I want to support grassroots organisations that are trying to build a genuine community identity through the huge changes that South Acton is undergoing. A strong, vibrant community that sees and supports each other is key to security and health.
What motivates you?
In my working life I’m an English teacher and teacher trainer, so I guess it’s giving people a voice to express themselves and giving people confidence and help to achieve what they want. I think being a councillor has that potential too.
What is your own personal connection to either South Acton or any other part of the borough?
I got remarried last year and I moved to Northfields. My wife has lived in Ealing for many years and has family in South Acton.
What do you consider to be your 3 top political, work or personal achievements and what impact have they had?
I’ve never stood in an election so political achievements are a bit slim – sadly joining protests against the genocide in Gaza hasn’t got what is needed yet. On a personal level, it would be raising my two kids in two different countries and advocating for my parents’ care. Workwise, probably surviving as a small business for over ten years, despite COVID and BREXIT. In terms of impact, I hope they have made me more aware of the issues that effect so many of us and there is nothing more important than a secure home, good health and the support of friends and community.
What do you consider to be the top 3 challenges South Acton faces and how will you as a councillor address them?
Poverty coupled with cost of living – particularly high rents and building a strong community in the face of huge changes, social isolation and people feeling unsafe or directly experiencing crime. There’s a danger that regeneration will fail long term if we can’t encourage a more vibrant local business community, the greater use of public spaces and more connections between local people.
I think the reality is that solving issues of poverty and high rents lies more in national policy, and only Green Party policies are likely to significantly shift the dial in those areas. As a councillor I would meet, listen to and give a voice to grassroots groups and local businesses working in these areas. I would advocate for them and help them build connections for example through more regular events and activities using public spaces.
What do you love about South Acton and the borough of Ealing?
As someone who loves food and cooking, I love the grocery shops on Acton Town High St. I’m also a fan of Act One cinema. As a Borough, Ealing has some great parks and green spaces.
How accessible will you be to South Acton residents and how can they get in contact with you now and if elected how will you ensure you are accessible to them in the future?
If you would like more information about me and the Green Party you find it on the Ealing Green Party website. I will ensure I hold regular surgeries as a councillor as well as being available though email and social media.
Click here for all Ealing Central and Acton candidates standing.
