Harrow East parliamentary candidates say why you should vote for them

The three candidates for Harrow East, Bob Blackman for Conservatives, Pamela Fitzpatrick for Labour and Adam Bernard for Liberal Democrat has explained more about themselves and why you should vote for them.

This is what they said:

Bob Blackman – Conservative

"I was born in north west London and have lived in the area my entire life, bar my time in Liverpool for university where I studied maths and physics as well as holding the office of President of the Students Union.

My time in Liverpool was cut short by the passing of my parents in quick succession, leading to me having to look after my three younger sisters, one of whom is physically and mentally handicapped, whilst working full-time.

Initially I worked at Burroughs Machines, which later became Unisys, before joining British Telecom - where I worked until elected to parliament. I held various roles in my career, from sales to compliance to training.

I had no advantage in my early years aside from a loving family and my natural disposition toward hard work, public service and being a strong voice for those who cannot speak for themselves led to me seeking public office.

First I was a councillor in Brent for 24 years and in that time I served as Leader of the Council as well as Deputy Leader of the Council. Second, I served on the London Assembly from 2004 to 2008 and in that time I held several roles including Chief Whip of the GLA Conservatives.

My extensive time in local government means I have a keen interest in planning, housing, local services and infrastructure, and everything in between.

My proudest achievement in parliament to date is the Homelessness Reduction Act - this was the single biggest change to homelessness legislation in 40 years, and I was honoured to have the chance to author the bill before leading it through parliament.”

Pamela Fitzpatrick – Labour

Pamela was born in Harlesden, into a working-class Irish family and moved to live in Harrow as a child. She’s held many positions in the voluntary sector, and also been an active trade unionist. In her time working in the non profit sector she focused on advising people about welfare benefits, spending time at the Citizens Advice Bureau, Family Rights Group and the Child Poverty Action Group.

She has been a trustee of numerous charities including Harrow Women’s Centre and the Women’s Budget Group. She has also served as a Chair of Governors of a local school.

In 2010 she set up Harrow Law Centre, which provides a free and independent legal advice service to people who live or work in the London Borough of Harrow. The organisation now employs 9 solicitors and a barrister representing local people in court and in tribunals against evictions, removal of their benefits, claims to asylum and assisting those who are victims of trafficking and modern day slavery. Through the Law Centre Pamela has supported thousands of Harrow Residents at the most difficult times of their lives.

Pamela was elected as councillor in the borough of Harrow in 2014 and has served as chair of the Harrow Labour Group. When the Tories had control of Harrow council and made cuts to social care she was involved in successfully mounting a judicial review on behalf of her mother, suffering with dementia. The case not only restored social care for all Harrow residents but laid down important criteria for public sector equality duties.

Adam Bernard – Liberal Democrat

“As MP for Harrow East, I will stand up for the rights of everyone living here. Whether they’re Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, or any of the many other faiths in Harrow - or of no faith at all. Whether they’re straight or gay or bi. Whether they were born in the UK or came here from the Commonwealth, the EU, or anywhere else. Rich or poor. Whether they’re eligible to vote or not.

A vote for the Lib Dems is a vote to build a brighter future. To stop the Brexit chaos (and whatever Boris Johnson says, going ahead with Brexit will mean *decades* of painful negotiations - there’s no “quickie divorce” here).

To build a stronger, fairer economy where businesses can thrive and which can support excellent public services.

To address the causes of knife crime, and fund ward-level community police who actually know their local areas.

To help parents, with 35 hours a week of free childcare.

To fund our NHS properly, and to fix our tattered social security safety-net.

And above all, to take immediate action to tackle climate change so that the next generation can have a future they can look forward to.

People keep asking me “Do you really think the Liberal Democrats can win in Harrow?” -- well, we came a close second in Harrow in May’s European Parliament elections. There’s no magic: if enough people vote for us, we will win here. We can do this. We can make a difference.”