Tooting residents will go the polls on August 18 to vote for a new councillor after the Labour member for Tooting, Ben Johnson, resigned from the position in order to take up an advisory job with the new Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
We spoke to the candidates about their priorities.
July 3: Tooting Labour Councillor Ben Johnson steps down to become adviser to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
July 15: Tooting elects - again. Fourth time town is asked to go to the polls this year
July 25: Tooting returns to the polls again: candidate list announced in council by-election
SDP: Alexander Balkan, 19, student, Battersea.
What made you want to stand?
“At my age, I seem to have more experience in representing, or at least, understanding ordinary people than much of Tooting’s political establishment. I wished to stand in this by-election to call for genuine social democracy, putting ordinary people and democracy before anything.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I offer a genuine, independent voice – helping locals get on their own two feet while ensuring low council tax. We have both the right and left peddling angry politics. I want to peddle pragmatic politics of teamwork, which is needed more than ever.”
What are your priorities?
"Support essential services, protect residents in council estates from eviction, improve high street maintenance and rubbish collection."
Green: Roy Vickery, 69, Former museum curator at the Natural History Museum; botanist and writer, Bedford
What made you want to stand?
“I feel that a new radical approach is needed on the council, and neither of the major parties are able to provide this.”
Why should people vote for you?
“One extra Labour or Conservative councillor would make little difference, one Green councillor with unblinkered vision might stimulate a significant change. We have the example of Caroline Lucas, our one Green MP, and small numbers of councillors on many councils, who make huge differences.”
What are your main priorities?
“Reducing air pollution, encouraging healthy life styles, developing communities.”
Conservative: Thom Norman, 24, public relations, Tooting Broadway.
What made you want to stand?
“Our diversity, amazing small businesses and community spirit make Tooting simply the best place in London to live. I want people to visit Tooting, work here, spend their money here and come and live here so that the whole of our community can benefit.”
Why should people vote for you?
“Wandsworth has benefitted hugely from a well run Conservative council which is delivering very good services for a very low council tax. But, I feel that our previous Labour Tooting councillors have not been pushing hard enough to make the voice of people in Tooting heard.
“I can passionately argue for the concerns of people in Tooting.”
What are your priorities?
"Building more affordable homes, making sure Crossrail2 comes to Tooting, reducing flytipping and cleaning up the streets."
Liberal Democrat: Eileen Riley Arms, 62, former diplomat, Burntwood Lane.
What made you want to stand?
“I campaigned for remain and was devastated by the result. I’ve always been a supporter of the Lib Dems and I thought the time has come to stand up and say what I believe in.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I’ve lived in Wandsworth for 30 years and I know the area really well. The council has been Conservative verses Labour for a very long time and I believe it needs a third voice in there.”
What are your main priorities?
“Fixing uneven pavement, decreasing litter, supporting short-term renters and campaigning for the rights of EU citizens in the borough.”
Labour: Paul White, 55, customer solutions architect (IT), Aboyne Estate in Tooting.
What made you want to stand?
“I am already actively involved in my community, but I believe more can be done to promote community cohesion and tackle inequality.”
Why should people vote for you?
“Tooting ward is unique and diverse area and I rejoice in that. However, that community will be facing many challenges in the next few years. If elected a councillor for Tooting then I would work hard to ensure that the views of the residents of Tooting are heard throughout the decision-making process for Crossrail 2.”
What are your priorities?
“Tackling fly-tipping, ensuring all residents have decent housing, representing the views of Tooting residents during the Crossrail 2 decision-making process.”
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