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.
Marco Manassero standing for Reform UK 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 name is Marco Manassero, an Italian-born, British-naturalised insurance professional and entrepreneur. After graduating from a leading European business school, I relocated to the UK in 2012 and later founded my own company. I am married with two daughters.
I’m standing as a councillor for Reform UK in South Acton because I believe that, after over a decade of Labour control in Ealing, we need a fresh perspective to address the issues our community faces. Crime, overdevelopment and poverty remain significant challenges that have not been adequately addressed. A vote for the same old parties is a vote for more of the same failures. Only Reform UK will stand up for the people of Ealing and deliver real change.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by a deep desire to change the status quo in South Acton and Ealing. Since moving to the borough over a decade ago, I’ve noticed that things have deteriorated: there’s more crime, heavier traffic, and a rising cost of living that has made life harder for residents. People are feeling the strain. I want to stand up for my family and my community, to help reverse this decline and work towards a brighter future where people feel safer and more supported.
What is your own personal connection to either South Acton or any other part of the borough?
I’ve been living in Ealing with my family for over 10 years, which has given me a strong connection to the borough. My eldest daughter attends weekly swimming classes at the Acton Centre, and I have personally volunteered at the Acton Gardens Community Centre. These experiences have allowed me to see firsthand the strengths and challenges of South Acton.
What do you consider to be your 3 top political, work or personal achievements and what impact have they had?
One personal achievement I am particularly proud of is learning several languages and travelling extensively around the world. This has allowed me to build strong personal relationships with people from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. These experiences have not only enriched my personal life but have also given me a deep understanding of different cultures. This is particularly valuable in South Acton, where there is a rich diversity of cultures.
From a professional standpoint, founding a successful business from scratch is something that stands out, especially in a competitive environment such as financial services. My own company now provides employment and support to several families in London, contributing to the local economy.
Although I am relatively new to politics, I’m proud of how I’ve already organised the strategy for our campaign in South Acton, working with a dedicated team of volunteers to canvass, leaflet and engage with residents. This groundwork has helped build momentum and awareness for our campaign, and I’m excited to see the results of our hard work.
What do you consider to be the top 3 challenges South Acton faces and how will you as a councillor address them?
In South Acton, Labour’s long-term control has led to complacency, and the key challenges – crime, overdevelopment, and poverty – have not been addressed effectively.
One of the most pressing issues is the rise in violence against women, drug use, and anti-social behaviour. I believe this is directly related to the reduced police presence under Labour’s leadership. As a councillor, I would prioritise restoring community policing and ensuring the police are properly equipped to tackle crime. It is unacceptable that some crimes aren’t even being investigated and I will push for the resources and support needed to make our streets safer.
Overdevelopment is another concern. While development is necessary, it should not come at the expense of our green spaces or community character. We need to ensure that any development is accompanied by adequate infrastructure, such as schools, healthcare, and transport, to maintain a balanced and sustainable community.
Lastly, poverty in South Acton is an ongoing issue. It’s one of the most deprived areas in the borough and local charities are struggling to keep up with the growing demand for support. I will use my experience in business and entrepreneurship to find practical solutions to address the root causes of poverty, creating opportunities for residents to improve their living conditions and prospects.
What do you love about South Acton and the borough of Ealing?
There’s so much to love about South Acton and Ealing. For instance, Harlech Tower was used as the fictional Nelson Mandela House in Only Fools and Horses, one of my favourite British sitcoms. South Acton has always had a vibrant market culture and the Acton Library, with its beautiful façade, is a real gem.
Ealing itself is wonderfully connected, with excellent transport links to central London and major motorways, making it a great location for commuters. It’s also a borough full of green spaces, offering families and young children a safe and peaceful environment to enjoy outdoor activities.
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?
In the coming days, I will be regularly in South Acton, engaging with as many residents as possible. If you’d like to get in touch with me now, you can reach me on Twitter/X @MgManassero or via email at marco4southacton@gmail.com.
I’m always open and accessible and I look forward to hearing from all of you.
If elected, I would continue this level of engagement. I plan to organise regular community meetings, both virtual and in-person, at local cafés and pubs. These meetings will give residents a chance to voice their concerns and stay informed about the Council’s decisions. By working together and staying connected, we can make South Acton and Ealing a safer and more vibrant place to live.
Click here for all Ealing Central and Acton candidates standing.
