I grew up in Mitcham and was the first person in my family to go to University. I grew up at a time of good quality council housing, free education, well stocked libraries, affordable housing and a safety net in the form of social security benefits for those who fell on hard times.

I think that we need all of these things today.

I am married to Karl Schneider and we brought up our three children in Cannon Hill ward. I currently teach primary school music in schools in Merton and have taught here since 1990.

I have always played an active part in the community life. I’ve organised women’s football tournaments, community choirs and informal concerts in parks. I led a successful parents’ campaign to improve school food here in Merton and as a result won a Sheila McKechnie award and was appointed by Ed Balls to the board fo the School Food Trust. I helped set up Merton Welcomes Refugees and I campaign for properly accessible Changing Places toilets with a hoist and a bench.

I’m proud to be Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Wimbledon, and look forward to meeting you.