Editor

Editor

Local Elections 2026News

John Long, Reform Party candidate for Churchfields

Long-Reform

I am a retired businessman, author and London cab driver. I have seen central London deteriorate, and I am determined that Churchfields and South Woodford do not  go the same way. I am ready to stand up for Churchfields, to  keep the streets clean, tackle anti-social behaviour, improve lighting and fix potholes. We need to put residents first, restore pride and keep our community safe.  Lets work together to keep this a safe, clean, thriving place for our families. Churchfields needs change. Churchfields needs Reform.

Promoted by Stuart Shulton on behalf of Reform UK at Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London SW1P 4QP.

Local Elections 2026News

Michael Teahan, Liberal Democrat candidate for Churchfields

Teahan-LibDem

I have lived in Churchfields for over 25 years and have an excellent understanding of the local area and its needs. I am a retired primary school headteacher and have around 10 years of experience as a school governor. I have also been chair of governors in local schools. I have worked on a charity advice line and for the National Deaf Children’s Society, representing children in special needs tribunals. I served as a Cub Scout leader for 17 years and am an associate of the Friends of Elmhurst Gardens.

Promoted by Crispin Acton on behalf of Redbridge Liberal Democrats, all at 45 Wellington Road, London, E11 2AS.

Local Elections 2026News

Samantha Quaresma-Cabral, Conservative Party, Churchfields

Quaresma-Cabral-Conservative

I live in Churchfields ward and have lived in Redbridge for over 21 years. My daughter went to Woodbridge High School and attended Redbridge Drama Centre. I know the value that local facilities provide and I’m deeply passionate about standing up for our area – making sure Woodford and South Woodford don’t get forgotten in the borough when it comes to funding. My Christian faith is important to me and I work in the healthcare sector. The council’s elderly care support is something that I’m passionate about.

Promoted by Stephen Adams on behalf of Churchfields Conservatives all at 105C Station Rd, London, E4 7BU.

Local Elections 2026News

Nicola Cuthbert, Reform Party candidate for Churchfields

Cuthbert-Reform

I have proudly called Churchfields my home for over 25 years; this is where my family have grown up, where my two sons were raised and educated. I’ve built deep roots in our community, giving many years to teaching and education. Like many residents, I care deeply about the issues that affect our daily lives: crime, housing, the cost of living, Broadmead bridge and cleaner, safer streets. I am not a career councillor, I am your neighbour. I understand what matters here because I live it every day.

Promoted by Stuart Shulton on behalf of Reform UK at Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London SW1P 4QP.

Local Elections 2026News

Zohair Hassan, Conservative Party candidate for Churchfields

Hassan-Conservative

I have proudly called Woodford home for over 25 years, having grown up and gone to school right here in our community. My career has taken me across to more than 10 countries. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of how to manage finances responsibly, make fair decisions and deliver results. These skills are what I want to bring to serve our local area. I want to help, support safer streets, better local services and stronger community. On 7 May, please use all three of your votes for your Conservative candidates.

Promoted by Stephen Adams on behalf of Churchfields Conservatives all at 105C Station Rd, London, E4 7BU.

Local Elections 2026News

Rita Mahli, independent candidate for Churchfields

Mahli-Indy

I’m a university worker and trade unionist. I’ve lived in Churchfields for 14 years and I’m standing because I believe residents deserve better, more transparent representation. I was inspired by Faiza Shaheen’s General Election campaign, which demonstrated the power of community-led politics. Since then, I’ve been involved in several Chingford and Woodford Green Community Independents campaigns, notably on Broadmead Bridge, and have been supporting former independent councillor Rosa Gomez with her council duties.

Promoted Alistair Smailes on behalf of Jillian Ghose, Rita Mahli & Helen Watson, all at 110 Beech Hall Road, London, E4 9NX.

Local Elections 2026News

Heather Liddle, Liberal Democrat candidate for Churchfields

Liddle-LibDem

I have lived in Churchfields for 15 years. I have been a teacher for over 40 years and am also a musician. I have served as a co-opted member on the council’s Housing Committee and the Housing and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Committee. My main interests are the NHS (especially on what has been happening to Whipps Cross), working to protect our local green spaces and supporting education with a focus on improving provision for students with special needs and developing safe spaces for young people in Redbridge.

Promoted by Crispin Acton on behalf of Redbridge Liberal Democrats, all at 45 Wellington Road, London, E11 2AS.

Local Elections 2026News

Alex Wilson, Reform Party candidate for Churchfields

Wilson-Reform

I am a small business owner who has lived locally for nearly 20 years. I am also a member of the London Assembly, where I hold the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to account for his failures on transport, housing and crime. To deliver real change we need a strong Reform voice on Redbridge Council, so I am standing to cut waste, improve services and, above all, force Redbridge Council and Transport for London to repair and reopen Broadmead Road bridge, which has been closed pending repair since July 2023.

Promoted by Stuart Shulton on behalf of Reform UK at Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London SW1P 4QP.

Local Elections 2026News

Guy Mansfield Williams, Labour Party candidate for Churchfields

Mansfield Williams-Labour

I grew up in the borough and have spent my life here. Woodford has always been the best part of Redbridge and I’m determined to keep it that way! I’m proud of what we’ve achieved since I became your councillor in 2022. We have achieved a lot together but there is still a lot more to do. We can’t put the progress we’ve made at risk by letting Reform or the coalition of chaos which is the independents win. Only Labour can keep this community the great place it is, so use all three of your votes for your Labour candidates on 7 May.

Promoted by Thomas Morton on behalf of Redbridge Labour both at 12a Highview Parade, Woodford Ave, Ilford, IG4 5EP

Local Elections 2026News

Chrissie Gorman, Conservative Party candidate for Churchfields

Gorman-Conservative

A Woodford resident for over 30 years, I am proud of the area and committed to protecting its character. Recently retired from a career in a law firm, I bring strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a clear sense of fairness. I am determined to hold the council to account, ensuring residents get better services. Too much is spent in Ilford at (South) Woodford’s expense. The council have dragged their feet on Broadmead bridge. I will be a strong, practical voice for Woodford, focused on real results.

Promoted by Stephen Adams on behalf of Churchfields Conservatives all at 105C Station Rd, London, E4 7BU.

Local Elections 2026News

Martin Rosner, Liberal Democrat candidate for Churchfields

Rosner-LibDem

I have lived in Redbridge for almost my whole life and have been a Redbridge councillor. I have worked in further education for over 30 years and stood for the Liberal Democrats in Churchfields at the last local election. I have been active in the Save Crescent Road Action Group. I have also developed close links with other groups in Churchfields and have supported residents with housing issues. I will campaign to make our roads safer and ensure a better deal for those in social housing.

Promoted by Crispin Acton on behalf of Redbridge Liberal Democrats, all at 45 Wellington Road, London, E11 2AS.

News

Mayor’s Community Awards 2026: Shan and James Lau

SWVG-MAY-JUN-2026-l©Ilford Recorder/Sandra Rowse

Woodford residents Shan and James Lau were honoured at the Redbridge Mayor’s Community Awards in March.

“Shan and James work tirelessly, collecting food from supermarkets which would otherwise be thrown away because of best-before dates.
Every Friday morning, they hold a community event called Spare Loaf at St Barnabas Church hall on Snakes Lane East and give the food away to the community. They have saved over 50 tonnes of food from going to landfill,” said an event spokesperson.