Rachel Brooks

I grew up in Wimbledon and returned to Merton 11 years ago, settling in SW19 last year to raise my two young children, lured by the vibrant and diverse community, strong support network of family and friends, and the wonderful local amenities we have on our doorstep.

An alumnus of Durham and Imperial College universities, I now work as a technical specialist on community and nature-based environmental projects, specialising in carbon removals and avoidance. My job is all about listening to the views of local communities, and building sustainable, climate-positive projects that meet their needs, so I know it can be done. Merton Council have a poor track record when it comes to listening to residents and, if I were elected, this is the first thing I would change. I believe that the views of local people should be at the very heart of decisions that affect their local area, and that the most important thing an elected representative can do is listen to residents and advocate for their needs and wishes.

I am an ardent lover of the natural world, happiest when walking my dog in Merton’s outstanding green spaces and growing vegetables with my four-year-old daughter. There are many concerning things happening in the world today that make me worry about the future my children will inherit. I joined the Green Party in the hope of changing that, because the Greens are the only party committed to building a positive and equitable future for all to thrive.