Evelyn

Parliamentary Candidate: Gemma Townsend

Gemma is a native Londoner, who grew up in Wapping in the East End. Since graduating from the University of Manchester where she studied Sociology, she has lived all over London including Deptford where she was a candidate in the 2006 local elections. Gemma has been the Conservative Association Deputy Chairman in Deptford since the beginning of 2007.

Currently Gemma works for the GLA dealing with policing and crime issues for the Conservative Assembly Members, where she works closely with the Deputy Mayor for Policing. She has previously worked in a number of social policy and research roles for Southwark Council, Ofsted and Populus.

Over the years Gemma has been proud to have had an impact on policies to improve standards in education, youth crime, housing, health and social care and has learnt a great deal from a wide range of practitioners in the field. She has been volunteering with her local youth offending team since spring 2007 and also volunteers with the charity Age Concern.

Gemma is particularly concerned by the levels of violent crime in Lewisham. She will also be campaigning on regeneration, transport and education. Having worked in local government, Gemma is adamant that local authorities could be more resourceful and provide significantly better services, she will ensure her campaign holds Lewisham Council to account.
Read more about Gemma.

Phillip Badger:

Originally from Stratford-upon-Avon, Phil moved to Deptford 3 years ago when he started his Politics degree at Goldsmiths College.  Phil is particularly interested in encouraging more creative use of Lewisham’s parks and open spaces.

Guy Bentley:

Guy has lived in Lewisham for twelve years and is preparing to study Politics at university. He has previously worked as a charity fundraiser, a teacher’s assistant and in the retail field.  Guy is passionate about including local people in decisions about local issues and is particularly interested in helping businesses and the local community by saving public money and keeping taxes low wherever possible.  Guy is very fond of the local parks and greenery and wishes to help protect them so that they are enjoyed by all.

Jonathan Woodhead:

Jonathan has lived in South East London since 2002 and has lived in Deptford since January. He has been active in Conservative Party politics for many years having contested local elections in different parts of the country as well as working for the Shadow Business Minister, Mark Prisk MP at the House of Commons. Jonathan presently works as an Education and Skills Adviser to Shadow Cabinet member, David Willetts MP.

Jonathan is passionate about education and the life chances it can bring. He wants to support excellent organisations such as Lewisham College and Goldsmiths College that do so much for local people. He would also like to see the northern part of Lewisham such as Evelyn more effectively represented on the Council, as it has been neglected for too long by the Town Hall.