Meet The New London Assembly Members: Fiona Twycross

Rachel Holdsworth
By Rachel Holdsworth Last edited 141 months ago
Meet The New London Assembly Members: Fiona Twycross

There are five new members of the London Assembly this term so we thought we’d find out a bit more about them. Fiona Twycross is one of Labour's Londonwide (i.e. 'top up') members – we've already spoken to her other new Labour Londonwide colleague, Tom Copley.

What did you do before becoming an Assembly Member?

I have worked for the health charity Diabetes UK, based in Camden for the past four years. The most rewarding part of my job was working with our volunteers and people affected by diabetes and campaigning against discrimination faced by children with Type 1 diabetes in schools.

Why did you stand for the London Assembly?

It was a unique opportunity. London is the most fabulous city in the world but we face real issues. Assembly Members can make a difference to the lives of the people we represent by challenging the mayor on his delivery for London and by developing an alternative vision for the city going forward on the areas covered by the Assembly.

What are your areas of (political) interest?

I'm particularly interested in public health. Did you know, for example, that every year over 4,000 people die as a result of air pollution in London and it's scandalous that more hasn't being done to address this issue. I'm also interested in housing and, during the election, the cost of housing and availability of affordable homes came up frequently as a real issue for people.

What do you hope to have achieved by the end of four years?

To have campaigned on some big issues aimed at making the lives of Londoners a bit easier. I'm concerned that young people are going to be priced out of London, or struggle to find work or homes here, and we need to make sure they can see a future for themselves in London.

What's your favourite bit of London?

My favourite bit about London is the fact that London is so varied – I'm always discovering new places or aspects to places I thought I knew. I love South East London which is where I live – in the summer (when the sun's shining) everyone tips out in tothe parks and there's a real sense of community. If readers haven't been there, I'd recommend the Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill which has newly been renovated and is well worth a visit.

You can follow Fiona on Twitter: @fionatwycross

Last Updated 15 June 2012