I was elected as Lambeth and Southwark's representative on the London Assembly in 2000. I live in Upper Norwood, SE19, and have been a south London resident and advocate for over 20 years. 

I have worked for the Inner London Education Authority, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and as Head of Public Affairs for the National Federation of Women's Institutes. And I have also been the Labour Party's National Women's Officer.

Between 1994 and 2000 I was councillor on the London Borough of Croydon between, serving as Chair of the Education Committee (1995-1997), Deputy Leader (1996-1997) and Leader (1997-2000).

I have a degree in Politics from Liverpool University and a  Masters Degree in Education from the London Institute.

In 2002 I was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Between 2000 and 2008 I was Chair of the London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority, which runs London's Fire Brigade. Several national roles arose from this work, including being a member of the Fire Minister's Sounding Board on Fire Service Modernisaton

As a member of the London Assembly I currently hold the following responsibilities:

• Deputy Chair of the Transport Committee 
• Member of the Budget Committee
• Member of the Confirmation Hearings Committee 
• Member of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority

Transport for London have revealed a list of 145 locations across London where they are considering removing traffic lights - even pedestrian crossings in some places. To find out if your local crossing is under threat you can click here to see the full TfL list.  

Join our campaign to Save the South London Line service between Victoria and London Bridge via Denmark Hill.

Read more and sign our petition

Mayor Boris Johnson is carrying out a "value for money assessment" on long standing plans for a new station on Surrey Canal Road.

Sign our petition calling on him to give us our station.

See my latest video highlighting the serious repairs issues facing residents on the Hawkstone Estate in Rotherhithe.

Click here to find out more about the work of the London Assembly Transport Committee.