South Londoner Amy Gallagher is the SDP candidate for Mayor of London. Keen to that our next mayor represents all of London not just Zones 1 and 2 we asked Amy about our town and borough, Croydon.
“When I think of Croydon I think of the tram and the lively events and vibrancy”
What’s been your involvement with Croydon over the years and what are your memories of the borough?
I’ve been working as a mental health nurse in South London. The team I was working with would cover several boroughs and Croydon was one of them. I would often work in Croydon A&E and visit patients in the community. When I think of Croydon I think of the tram and the lively events and vibrancy.
The town centre has become very run down in recent years with the loss of much nightlife and many shops. As Mayor of London how would you address these issues?
I would end business rates for small businesses in order to help local high streets. I would also create a clean environment with beautiful architecture and add more green space.
“I also want to crackdown on anti-social behaviour and crime by improving the police force… prioritizing knowledge of the law and civil liberties”
Nothing improves streetscape and the public realm more surely than mature trees. I would allocate £25m to street tree-planting. I also want to crackdown on anti-social behaviour and crime by improving the police force. I will reinforce the highest standards of duty, personal probity, and conduct at all times, on and off-duty, prioritizing knowledge of the law and civil liberties, and increase the powers of the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) to increase the trust of Londoners in our police force and hold them to account.
“I will establish a community volunteer network database where citizens can offer their skills for certain community support services (civic improvement, education, help for the aged, NHS, construction, environment, tourism guidance)”
From Crystal Palace and Norbury in the north to Coulsdon in the south, like London, Croydon’s localities differ greater. How would you see the Mayor of London’s office serving all of Croydon and indeed all of London?
I will rank London boroughs in terms of crime and publish a full and frank analysis of the kinds of crimes committed in specific boroughs and the profile of convicted criminals. Police will be fully supported in acting proactively within the law to prevent crime.
I plan to mobilise the vast energies and each boroughs’ citizens in the service of the community. I will establish a community volunteer network database where citizens can offer their skills for certain community support services (civic improvement, education, help for the aged, NHS, construction, environment, tourism guidance), and the GLA will fund a team of five to manage the program in each of the London boroughs (Budget cost: £22m)
“Box Park! There is such a great atmosphere there and great food!”
Off politics… Captain Sensible, Kirsty MacColl, Gabrielle, Des’ree, Stormzy, and now 6 Brit winner Raye just some of the talented singers from the Borough. Who’s your favourite Croydon lyricists?
Des’ree! I didn’t know she was from Croydon. I used to sing her songs when I was little. She was great!
Are you more likely to be found wandering Farthing Down or in Box Park?
Box Park! There is such a great atmosphere there and great food!
How can people find out more or get involved?
Check out the SDP (Social Democratic Party website), Join us at SDP London and vote for us!
https://sdp.org.uk/2023/12/18/amy-gallagher-announced-as-sdp-candidate-for-london-mayor/
Our manifesto for London will be published soon!
You can also find me on X/Twitter at @StandUptoWoke.
