Mehmood Naqshbandi

“I have been a life-long campaigner for the environment and social justice: I set up a branch of Friends of the Earth 45 years ago. At Warwick University I was tutored by a postgraduate student by the name of Nick Stern, now Professor Lord Stern and author of the crucial Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change. Now that I approach retirement, I am keen to direct my time towards bringing about the huge local changes that we need to make in order to keep Merton safe and prosperous in the face of climactic environmental breakdown. I co-lead on Transport in Merton’s Climate Action Group and led its precursor in the Climate Emergency Working Group as well as actively contribute to ad hoc local pressure groups such as Merton Tree Keepers, Hold Merton To Account (on poor planning decisions) and others. Disability is a special area of interest: my son's complex needs taught me to understand the huge range of issues faced by those with limited mobility or complex needs. ”

“In recent years I applied my technical knowledge and skills to bring transformative change to major local authorities, and I believe that there are opportunities to have far better joined-up services here in Merton too. If elected, I will press to redirect Merton's plans and policies towards achieving a model community that attracts and retains the people and new kinds of work that will thrive in meeting the challenges that will overwhelm a less well prepared borough.”