Franki Appleton

Originally from North East England, I’ve lived in Graveney Ward since 2018. I’m very proud to call this friendly and diverse community my home.

In both my professional and personal life, I’ve advocated for positive change for people and the planet, through policy development, communications, campaigns, and community organising. Being involved in grassroots environmental projects in Mitcham has allowed me to connect with neighbours. Together, we make our neighbourhoods greener, more welcoming, and supportive.

I’m a regular volunteer at Mitcham Community Orchard, having gained a qualification in community orchard management. I share my passion for ecological gardening with others, delivering community workshops on orchard care. I also worked for local charity Sustainable Merton, managing their waste reduction and circular economy project, which included offering free community repair events across Mitcham alongside a team of skilled volunteers. I hope to be a strong voice for our volunteering community who give so much to our area.

The environmental and social damage caused by illegal fly tipping and littering in Mitcham is an ongoing blight on our neighbourhood. I believe that reducing pollution caused by littering is a huge part of community care, and something we can all engage in.

I was part of the voluntary Climate Emergency Working Group assisting Merton Council to develop their Climate Action Plan and Strategy in 2019, but I fear the momentum on climate action has waned. It’s time to make the changes that will benefit our communities and our environment.

Darrell Ennis-Gayle

I’m a lifelong Londoner and moved to Graveney with my partner five years ago. We were attracted to the area because of its vibrancy, diversity, and great sense of community. As soon as we moved in, we were immediately made to feel welcome by our neighbours, and we’re delighted that this is where we’ll raise our two young sons.

Prior to moving to Merton, I lived in the London Borough of Camden for three decades. I was a Labour voter and member of the party for a large part of my adult life. However, in 2024, it became abundantly clear to me that the party I used to believe stood for social justice, equality, and opportunity for all, has lost sight of those defining principles. I joined the Green Party because I believe in hope.

I have worked as a criminal solicitor in London for 20 years. My commitment to criminal defence and social justice is deeply informed by my lived experience. As a young person, I was the victim of knife violence and suffered racial injustice at the hands of the criminal justice system. These experiences have shaped my career path and, I believe, imbued my work with empathy, insight and determination. These are the attributes that I will bring as your Green Party Councillor for Graveney.

Rupert Stevens

I have been a proud member of the Party for 40 years, and for me it has always been about more than just the environment. Having lived in Merton for 30 years, I have seen the challenges our community faces and the gradual decline of our borough.

I believe Merton deserves better. I want to see our borough thrive again — with regenerated town centres in Mitcham and Morden that attract local shops and businesses, affordable accommodation for families, and safer streets through a reduction in crime.

As your Councillor, I will work to ensure that your money is spent wisely – invested in projects that truly benefit you and strengthen our community. Together, we can make Merton a better place to live for everyone.