South Woodford Village Gazette

Local Elections 2026

Local Elections 2026News

Local elections 2026: your Churchfields and South Woodford candidates

SWVG-MAR-APR-2026-vite

Local council elections in all 32 London boroughs will be held on 7 May. In Redbridge, 63 members of the council will be selected, contested across 22 wards.

The South Woodford Village Gazette presents statements from the candidates standing in the two wards covered by this publication. South Woodford ward has 14 nominated candidates, while Churchfields ward has 15 candidates. Both wards were created ahead of the 2018 elections following a boundary review and are each represented by three councillors.

Polling stations open at 7am on 7 May and close at 10pm. Voters will need to show photo ID (passport, photocard driving licence and a range of travel passes are accepted) at the polling stations and can cast as many votes as there are councillors to be elected in their ward. The results will be announced the following day.

Churchfields ward candidates

South Woodford ward candidates

Conservative Party candidates (Churchfields) promoted by Stephen Adams on behalf of Churchfields Conservatives all at 105C Station Rd, London, E4 7BU.

Conservative Party candidates (South Woodford) promoted by Paul Canal on behalf of Leyton and Wanstead Conservatives at Sevenways Parade, IG2 6XH.

Green Party candidates promoted by Rosemary Warrington on behalf of Redbridge Green Party at PO Box 78066, London, SE16 9GQ.

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

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

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

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

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Local Elections 2026News

Scott Wilding, Liberal Democrat candidate for South Woodford

Wilding-LibDem

I was chair of the Wanstead Society from 2009 until it closed in 2025. A dedicated community activist, I helped establish bi-monthly litter picks around Wanstead in 2016 and am a keen community gardener. I received a Redbridge Mayor’s Community Award in 2025 for environmental stewardship and community enhancement. A public sector worker, I spent 12 years working for Redbridge Council and, if elected, am ready to use my wealth of experience to protect and promote the community in South Woodford.

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

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Local Elections 2026News

Jonathan Santaub, Reform Party candidate for South Woodford

Santaub-Reform

As a Redbridge resident for nearly 60 years and South Woodford for over 23, I’ve seen many issues: dirty streets, scarce bins, parking problems, heavy traffic, road closures, rising crime levels without a local police station and inadequate public services despite residents’ contributions, all while the north of the borough continually funds the south. As a former chair of governors at one of our local schools, I’m standing to ensure the council is held accountable, cuts waste and delivers real change for all residents of South Woodford.

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

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Local Elections 2026News

Monika Patel, Green Party candidate for South Woodford

Patel-Green

We all deserve to be proud of our local area, from our natural spaces and high streets to our schools and bus routes. This is why I’m standing to be your councillor. I’m a former physics teacher and now work in the charity sector. Throughout my career I’ve developed the skills to listen with empathy, communicate clearly and work with others to create change. South Woodford needs councillors who aren’t afraid of hard work and getting things done. I’m ready to work hard for you and for South Woodford.

Promoted by Rosemary Warrington on behalf of Redbridge Green Party at PO Box 78066, London, SE16 9GQ.

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Local Elections 2026News

Suzanne Nolan, Conservative Party candidate for South Woodford

Nolan-Conservative

As your candidate for South Woodford, I will stand up for residents and make sure your voices are heard. Our area deserves cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods and services we can rely on. I will support local businesses, protect our green spaces and hold the council to account when it falls short. Too often, concerns are ignored; I will listen, act and deliver. My focus is simple: fairness, accountability, and real results for South Woodford. On 7 May, please use all three of your votes for your Conservative candidates.

Promoted by Paul Canal on behalf of Leyton and Wanstead Conservatives at Sevenways Parade, IG2 6XH.

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Local Elections 2026News

Joe Hehir, Labour Party candidate for South Woodford

Hehir-Labour

I was born and raised in East London and have lived in South Woodford for 21 years with my wife and two children, who both attend local schools. I have pushed for improved children’s safety around our schools via School Streets. I have also successfully campaigned for the re-opening of the Post Office and the local library, which is due to return this summer! I want to continue to work with my local community in South Woodford and achieve more for our area. Let’s not let the Conservatives back into South Woodford.

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

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Local Elections 2026News

Beverley Brewer, Labour Party candidate for South Woodford

Brewer-Labour

I have lived in South Woodford with my husband and four children since 2002. I care passionately about our area and have helped hundreds of local people with their concerns in my time as your South Woodford councillor. Among many local campaigns, I worked hard to secure extra funding for our local GP surgeries. My career was in health and social care and I was as an inspector for the Care Quality Commission for many years. It has also been my privilege during the last year to serve as our borough’s Mayor.

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

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Local Elections 2026News

Robert Newman, Labour Party candidate for South Woodford

Newman-Labour

I am proud to be standing as a Labour candidate for South Woodford at this election, the place I call home and a community I love. I have been a school governor and a trustee of a refugee charity. I have also run my own small business. I’ve seen the difference a Labour council makes and we are the only party with a fully costed plan for Woodford and the rest of our borough. That’s why we need your support on 7 May. So, use all three of your votes for your South Woodford Labour candidates.

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

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Local Elections 2026News

Kallan Greybe, Green Party candidate for South Woodford

Greybe-Green

I’m a bit of a maths nerd and have taught enough to know that without measurement, maths tells you nothing about the world. Too much economic debate now skips that step, hiding behind clever-sounding equations. What we get sounds serious, but doesn’t connect to the real economy and everyday people. As an educator, my priority on the council will be to remove the things getting in the way of you taking part in decisions. Not just because it’s good democracy, but because it’s good economics too.

Promoted by Rosemary Warrington on behalf of Redbridge Green Party at PO Box 78066, London, SE16 9GQ.

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Local Elections 2026News

Paul Canal, Conservative Party candidate for South Woodford

Canal-Conservative

As your candidate for South Woodford I will fight to get our area back on track. Residents are paying more but getting less; rising crime, declining high streets and poor services. That isn’t good enough. I will demand better; safer streets, support for George Lane and real value for your council tax. With a proven record of standing up for our community, I will listen, act and deliver. It’s time to put people before politics and restore pride in South Woodford. On 7 May, please use all three of your votes for your Conservative candidates.

Promoted by Paul Canal on behalf of Leyton and Wanstead Conservatives at Sevenways Parade, IG2 6XH.

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Local Elections 2026News

Robert Cole, Conservative Party candidate for South Woodford

Cole-Conservative

As your candidate for South Woodford, I’ll fight for the basics: safer streets, cleaner roads and a high street that works for local people. Too many residents feel ignored while crime rises and services fall. That has to change. I will stand up for George Lane, back our local businesses and demand value for every pound of your council tax. I believe in action, not excuses, listening to residents and delivering results. It’s time to restore pride here and put people before politics. Please use all three of your votes for your Conservative candidates.

Promoted by Paul Canal on behalf of Leyton and Wanstead Conservatives at Sevenways Parade, IG2 6XH.

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Local Elections 2026News

Jaya Narinesingh, Green Party candidate for South Woodford

Narinesingh-Green

I am an award-winning educator and neurodiversity specialist working with families across our borough and country. As a lone parent to two children, including a preverbal autistic son, I have first-hand experience navigating the education system. After my son was left without provision despite having an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP), I created a tailored learning approach that now supports other children and families. I am standing to ensure families are supported and no child is left behind.

Promoted by Rosemary Warrington on behalf of Redbridge Green Party at PO Box 78066, London, SE16 9GQ.

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Local Elections 2026News

Crispin Acton, Liberal Democrat candidate for South Woodford

Acton-LibDem

I worked on NHS and public health policies in the Department of Health for 40 years until 2017. I have lived in Wanstead for 30 years. I have campaigned for an early rebuilding of Whipps Cross Hospital and am concerned by Redbridge Labour’s lack of openness and lack of interest in the west side of the borough. Liberal Democrats want to restore local Area Committees, which were abolished by Labour in 2014. These committees can help people to influence policies that affect them.

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

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Local Elections 2026News

Helen Watson, independent candidate for Churchfields

Watson-Indy

I’ve lived in Churchfields for 25 years and my sons attended Churchfields and Woodbridge schools. I sit on the boards of two charities: Friends of Redbridge Music School and Show Racism the Red Card. Until Labour removed Faiza Shaheen as its candidate in 2024, I was chair of the local Labour Party, but now chair Chingford and Woodford Green Community Independents, a group committed to community-led politics. Among other issues, I‘ve campaigned for progress on the new hospital desperately needed at Whipps Cross.

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

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Local Elections 2026News

Jillian Ghose, independent candidate for Churchfields

Ghose-Indy

I’m one of three Chingford and Woodford Green Community Independents standing for election. I have lived in Churchfields for 20 years, my children and granddaughter all attending local state schools. I am a former school governor. As a member of Faiza Shaheen’s 2024 General Election campaign team I became passionate about doing politics for the benefit of residents, not political parties, and would push for more facilities for young and old alike, such as could be delivered at the Elmhurst Gardens site.

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

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Local Elections 2026News

Lloyd Duddridge, Labour Party candidate for Churchfields

Duddridge-Labour

I’m Lloyd Duddridge. Apart from being your councillor in Churchfields, I am the Cabinet member for Children, Young people and Schools. I was proud to deliver an outstanding children’s service report from Ofsted in every section, one of only four councils in the country to do so. We also recently achieved UNICEF accreditation as a child-friendly borough, the first in England to do so; 96% of our schools across Redbridge are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’. We can’t risk our children’s education with Reform or the independents.

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

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Local Elections 2026News

Judith Garfield, Labour Party candidate for Churchfields

Garfield-Labour

I grew up in Woodford and chose to make my home here. This community has shaped who I am. For the past eight years as a Redbridge councillor, I’ve worked tirelessly for our area, ensuring our play areas are safe and improved, keeping our streets clean and working closely with the local police to keep residents safe. I’ll always be a strong voice for local people, ensuring that Churchfields continues to progress forwards. Only Labour has a fully costed plan, so don’t risk your community and vote Labour on 7 May.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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