Margaret Greer

THE deputy mayor of Enfield has launched her bid to be Labour’s next general election contender in Islington North.

Unison-backed Margaret Greer told the Tribune that after three decades of activism where she has “tirelessly campaigned for social equality and justice”, her candidacy would “bring some freshness and clarity about Labour values”.

Although Ms Greer lives in Enfield, she was keen to assert that her north London upbringing during which she attended school in Islington, and had a student job at the local Marks and Spencers, meant she was a good fit for the role.

She added: “if you’ve got drive and passion then wherever you are willing you should be able to engage in local issues and [creating] a multicultural environment.”

Ms Greer said that if she were selected, she would focus on creating more social housing, improving mental health services for young adults, and increasing access to education to training.

“I would also prioritise fair funding for local authorities”, she continued, “and looking at a plan to make sure I support council initiatives.”

Asked about the potential prospect of taking on Jeremy Corbyn, Ms Greer said: “If we’re effective in my vision and campaigning, then I hope people will see that and that I’m here for them.”

As a British born Black-Carribean woman, Ms Greer said she had been forced to overcome a series of challenges throughout her life, and her resilience was a key quality she could bring to the Labour candidacy.

She said: “I was told from a very early age that politics wasn’t for me, but I believe I could be a valued contributor to Islington North”

Meanwhile, the other candidates have spent today searching for the endorsement of Labour affiliated trade unions and socialist societies.

Paul Mason has obtained the backing of Labour’s environmental campaign SERA, whilst Shreya Nanda has been endorsed by the Labour Housing Group and Labour YIMBY.

The Labour Movement for Europe are due to hold a hustings this evening to decide who they will nominate.