An upcoming by-election in Chase will be hotly contested as Labour defends a slim majority in the ward.
The future of Whitewebbs Golf Course and surrounding woodland, which the council plans to lease to a commercial partner, is shaping up to be one of the key campaigning issues.
We take a look at who is hoping to win your vote in the election on Thursday, May 6.
Mira Glavardanov – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Mira is a socialist and environmentalist, and a housing and anti-austerity campaigner. She has lived in Enfield for 11 years and has been politically active for most of that time.
“In the council chamber, I will fight against all cuts to council services and jobs, and all privatisations, including leasing Whitewebbs to private business,” she said.
“I will fight against the skyscrapers and for quality council housing, for clean environment and against the council’s plan for a monster incinerator that will pollute the air of north London. I will unashamedly stand for the voice of the working class against all pro-rich, establishment parties.”
Chris James – Labour
Chris James has lived in the borough for nearly three decades, and her daughter attends a local secondary school. She has worked in the NHS in Enfield and Haringey for 12 years and, more recently, in education and children’s services, where she says she developed an in-depth understanding of the challenges facing Enfield’s young people and schools.
“Successive Conservative Governments have cut school budgets and projects supporting young people,” Chris said. “In my job, I see the impact that has on young people every day. I look forward to working alongside Enfield’s Labour council to support young people across our borough.”
Guy Russo – Liberal Democrat
Guy Russo, who has lived in Chase ward his whole life and previously stood for parliament in Enfield North, has made protecting Whitewebbs Park and Golf Course his priority.
“I am running for this council seat to protect Whitewebbs, oppose a council that isn’t listening to residents, and to make Chase a better place to live,” he said.
“Lockdowns have reminded us all how lucky we are to have this wide-open green space on our doorstep. We must not lose meaningful and free access to any part of Whitewebbs, and any development must protect the ancient woodland and biodiversity throughout the park.”
Andrew James Thorp – Conservative
Andrew was born in Enfield and has lived in the borough most of his life. He has three young sons and wants Enfield to continue to be a great place for his own family and the wider community.
Andrew says he is passionate about Chase Ward and wants to defend the green belt, which makes up a large part of the area. His main priorities are to keep the local area clean and tidy by tackling rubbish and fly-tipping, campaigning to stop the proliferation of tower blocks across the borough and fighting to save Whitewebbs Park and Golf Course for the community.
Lynne Davies – Green Party
Born in Coventry, Lynne has lived in Enfield for the last 40 years. She describes herself as a feminist and a socialist, as well as an environmentalist.
Lynne is now retired after a career as a town planner in Haringey. She was also a union representative.
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