The North East GLA constituency consists of Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest and all members of these branches are invited to attend the candidate hustings in the Lower Room at the Union Chapel. This is your opportunity to meet and hear your candidates and cast your vote. Please note that only members can vote and votes can only be cast in person that evening.

Below are some words from our two candidates.

Mandy Kirby

As a founding member of the party, I have watched some incredible women stand up for their beliefs and I would like to join them as the super constituency candidate for Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest. I’m a long-time Islington resident with many ties to this community through my family and friends. I have been involved in grass-roots volunteering. But being part of WEP has helped give me more courage in my convictions. I now co-run a network for change in the investment industry, committed to diversity and inclusion. I believe I can support those that are running on the GLA London list if I stand and help amplify our message. With confusion around Brexit ever-present, people without a voice need people who will stand up and speak a message of equality.   

Maureen N Obi-Ezekpazu

I am a Mother of three; a businesswoman; an Officer of the Supreme Court of England and Wales; a Writer; a Facilitator of personal growth through workshops; a DJ at a Community Radio station; a singer/choir member; a mediator; a Fellow of the RSA.

I have been an Officer of the Supreme Court of England and Wales for 30 years. I work in the Family Justice system as Advocate and have directly influenced change in social work practice. I am committed to equality through Access to Justice and equality in society.

My life experiences form an integral part in how I turn up in the world. The natural consequence is that my inter-personal skills are highly attuned. I am a trusted person. 

I have experienced sexual and physical abuse as a child; have recovered my emotional equilibrium; have given personal testimony in a historic criminal abuse case; set up and run an organisation raising awareness of the importance of emotional intelligence; providing tools to assist in building and sustaining EQ skills; 

I have volunteered as Trustee with various organisations and as Governor at a local school. 

This is who I AM, and it is a pleasure to meet you.