I came into politics not through privilege, but through lived experience — overcoming personal challenges that deepened my commitment to service. Leaving behind a corporate career, I dedicated years to grassroots community work: standing with survivors of abuse, supporting families, and building local networks with care. In 2022, that journey led me to be elected as a Labour councillor for Thornton Heath Ward — a role I continue to hold with humility and pride.
Last Tuesday 19th August, two notable things happened to me on the very same day:
- A local article stated I had failed to correctly file and keep my Register of Interests up to date, and
- I was not re-selected as the Labour candidate for Thornton Heath.
Here are the facts. After consulting with the Council’s Monitoring Officer and Democratic Services, I can confirm my declaration was correctly filed in 2022 — and remains up to date. I will always meet my legal and ethical duties, because transparency and accountability matter.
As for the selection result, politics is not always fair or easy. But I am still here. I remain proud to serve as a Labour councillor for Thornton Heath until the end of my term, and I will continue to work hard for the community, just as I always have. I also want to congratulate Jose Fernandes, Vicky Newton, and Ben Taylor on their selection as the next Labour candidates for Thornton Heath. I wish them well as they step forward to serve our community.
Looking ahead, there are two things close to my heart that I’m particularly excited about:
Roots and Rhythms
On Thursday 25th September 2025, the new after-school programme called ‘Roots and Rhythms‘, which I’ve been working on alongside local charity Music Relief Foundation, will launch at Thornton Heath Leisure Centre: creating safe spaces, music and wellbeing opportunities for young people locally, free of charge.
MVAWG MARCH
On Saturday 22 November 2025, I will be standing in solidarity with the community to lead a major survivors-led march saying no to male violence against women and girls #MVAWG: walking from Thornton Heath to Croydon Town Hall — demanding justice, safety and sustainable change.
These projects remind me that politics is only one channel through which I serve. My deeper commitment is to the community: to young people finding their voice, to the Lioness Circle, to the fight against male violence and racial injustices.
Though I’ve not been re-selected in Thornton Heath – the movement continues. Whether inside the chambers or outside, I still believe in service. I still believe in justice and equality. I still believe in the power of our community. And I will continue turning pain into power, in whatever space I stand.
To everyone who has supported me on this journey — thank you. Your encouragement, honesty, and solidarity mean more than words can say. I remain committed to walking this path alongside you, because real change happens when we stand together – refuse to be silent and refuse to give up.
Tamar's Riddim 