I was first 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 30 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 an MA 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 Modernisation. 

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

·         I alternate Chair and Deputy Chair of the Transport (Scrutiny) Committee

·         Member of the GLA Oversight Committee

·         Member of the Confirmation Hearings Committee 

·         Member of the Planning Committee

·         Member of the Budget and  Performance Committee

I am a Patron of the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton and a supporter of the Surrey Docks City Farm in Southwark. As well as having been a Labour Party member and activist for over 30 years I am also a member of the Co-Operative Party, the GMB union and the RSPB.  I go bird watching with my husband and am a keen painter.