Interview with Cllr Laura Willoughby

Politics, a strange thing for a 26-year-old to be involved in? I have been a Councillor on Islington Council for two years now and since the Liberal Democrats took control at the start of the Millennium, I have been the chief whip of the council. By some people's standards, I am becoming an old hat at politics. You come from Somerset - I bet Somerset and Islington are a clash of worlds? I may have grown up in Somerset but I have been resident in London for nearly four years now and I have loved every minute of it. I guess this is my home now. Although there are many differences that people point out between rural and urban areas, when it comes down to it people are the same. Islington people care about where they live, whether it be joking with mates who live South of the river or campaigning on issues in their area. I am always amazed by the number of people who get involved in activities, and although we always need more people to be involved in things it is true to say we are an active and exciting area. Why would you be the best thing for Islington North? As a local councillor I know the issues that people care about most, from the problems we have with Doctors and Hospitals to the rise in crime and the environment in Islington. Whilst we are tackling many of those things on a local level, nationally the Government is dragging its feet. We need to be more ambitious when it comes to dealing with the environment And how do you think a Lib Dem approach would benefit this area? We are a party that prides ourselves in working in partnership with the local community. It is important that all politicians know what their constituents want and this can only be achieved through regular contact, knocking on doors and having an open policy. I joined the Liberal Democrats because we have great policies for the Environment. We have already introduced door to door recycling to Islington, and nationally we want to take radical steps to increase air quality for example. My experience from attending school Governors meetings (I am vice chair of Highbury Quadrant Primary School in the constituency) has shown me that more investment in Education is essential, the Liberal Democrats will increase spending in Education by 3 billion a year and we would increase resources for schools Politics is very different from real life - how do you know what people want? In my professional life, working for charities such as the YMCA, Stonewall, London Youth Matters and even the Mechanical Engineers, I have found that I have come into contact with many people from lots of different backgrounds. The truth is there are more things that unite us then divide us, and everyone cares about the same things, housing, environment, education, jobs and crime. As a resident in North Islington, what do you like most about the area? I like the bus routes, however troublesome they may be. I like the ethnic variety and cultural mix of the area - great food, friendly people and a great deal of energy amongst all residents. People have spent many years fighting for a fair deal from the Council in Islington and I hope they are now beginning to see results. Its been good few years for the Lib Dems in Islington, winning control of the council and being the main challengers to Labour in the Parliamentary elections, what do you think is next? Well we are keeping change going at a great pace. Not only have we nearly completed the six pledges we won the council on Jan 13th but we have pledged the following 6 to do by 2002. Day by day the streets of Islington are getting cleaner, abandoned cars are cleared away much quicker and there has been a clampdown on dumped commercial refuse. The Sunday opening of Libraries have been a success and the repairs pledge has just been given a kick start with the new repairs line recently opened by Charles Kennedy. The new pledge I am keeping a close eye on is offering elderly residents free access to most of the Council's leisure facilities - it was one of my ideas and as I also have a big interest in sport in this Borough so I want to make sure it works. How can people help you and show their support? There are lots of ways people can help the Liberal Democrats win in Islington - the simplest is to vote. However, if you want to help more you can always help us by: Tell you friends to vote for me too Putting up a poster Delivering Leaflets or Contributing to campaign funds And finally: With all these activities what do you do to unwind? I enjoy watching stand-up comedy and have some great friends who ensure my social life does not suffer. I was going to try and go to the gym more, but with all these leaflets to deliver I am sure I won't need to.