I have always believed in politics as a potential force for good and for service ,but it was back in 2016 that I realised we all have two choices . Shout from the sidelines or get stuck in and try and make a difference . I joined my local Labour Party became women’s officer was elected to serve as a councillor then served as deputy speaker and then speaker for the borough . I have spent the last two years focused on a vital area of caring for those of us who love and look after children with SEND . All of this has been an absolute privilege and I never took a single day for granted . I remain convinced that politics can help and can serve and I remain committed to the party I have been part of all my life . It will never be about quick fixes , slogans or easy answers and I promise you local politics especially is not about the money or the prestige (!) it’s about wanting to help ,wanting to serve and getting one door fixed at a time even if others criticise ridicule or shout at you as you do so .
So next chapter to come . I will remain focused on fertility and women’s health as I always have done for over 20 years and whatever I do next I will be cheering on my amazing Labour colleagues and helping whenever I can . Out of office now on and thank you to the amazing wonderful people of Hackney . My home .
Thank you thank you @sayinggoodbye_charity for an amazing event as always . It is a privilege to have known you since the start , thank you for all you do to support all affected by Babyloss and to keep campaigning for change .
Thank you to the incredible team @divamagazine not just for a brilliant event last night but for your advocacy support and encouragement for so many people over the years . It really was an honour to present an award on behalf of @londonwomensclinic as one of the key sponsors and to celebrate a long friendship together . Great to hear from @dawnbutlerbrent about her commitment to the LGBTQIA community too .
“Black day stormy night …don’t cry he is coming don’t die without knowing the cross “. RIP always to one of the most talented and brilliant artists . Always grateful I got to see him live and for how he impacted so many of us . 21/4/2016
What a joy to be part of this amazing event @familymakers_show is an incredible team effort and a day full of hope information and a LOT of balloons . A treat to work together with my girl @hopeivyy and one of my best mates supporting our LGBTQ🏳️🌈 community .
It is one of the greatest joys and privileges to be a councillor here in Hackney . Often challenging , long hours , at times frustrating but nowhere else I would rather serve than in this amazing borough . The last five years have gone so quickly and I have been lucky enough to be on various committees , to be deputy Speaker and then Speaker of Hackney . Chair of labour group SEND champion and now deputy cabinet leader for SEND and early years . I am also lucky to serve with some incredible fellow councillors and friends who give much more than people often realise as well as being led by our amazing mayor @caroline.woodley . May 7th I will be standing again and will always be proud and honoured to be Hackney Labour 🌹
Busy day starting off at @combertoncc open day with incredible work by @seedsforgrowth._ to create a beautiful outdoor garden hub . Great to see @hackneyplaybus being very well used too ! Then onto Hackney parent carer forums fantastic fun day . Great turnout wonderful food and thanks as always to all the amazing organisers.
Hackney is home ❤️🩷 loved this morning with our wonderful @connectingcommunitiesuk_ celebrating International women’s day with good stories friendship and so much laughter . Thank you for inviting me to speak about local leadership and #SEND . Leaving with a full belly and lots of wonderful moments to think about
Great to pop in to @immediate_theatre performance event and meet some of the young people staff and volunteers . Fresh off the back of their very well deserved award from @younghackney . We are so lucky here in Hackney to have such brilliant groups who go above and beyond for our young people . Thank you @immediate_theatre@charmainhumphrey7 for all you give
As #neurodiversity week comes to an end we celebrate everyone and every organisation working hard to promote inclusion, to speak up and to stand with anyone with neurodiversity. This is an issue very very close to my heart . My dad was diagnosed with dyslexia very late in life and went on to do a PHD , my youngest child has very complex needs and I now work as part of @hackneylabour to champion the needs of those in the borough . More than anything this week please know whether you’re someone with ND or caring for someone or campaigning for change , we see you and we are stronger together . As part of this commitment I am really proud that our manifesto contains a real commitment to support children and young people in the borough with additional learning needs such as dyslexia . More info here .uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/1275/2026/03/Hackne-Labour-manifesto-2026-1.pdf
Hackneys future is bright with so many amazing young leaders of the future . Another great evening @younghackney awards celebrating some of amazing young people . @mayorofhackney@anntoinettebramble spoke with huge pride about @younghackney and all they bring to the borough . A wonderful event as always
