Charles Barraball

I’ve lived in West Barnes since the 60s, about two years after marrying Pam, mother of our four children. After caring for me after a stroke in 2001, Pam died of liver cancer in 2008.

After retirement as a surveyor, I was a Trustee of regional and local charities and was the Green Party’s candidate in several local and parliamentary elections.

I ride a bike everywhere I can, and added batteries while courting Alix. She was beating me up the slopes of Wimbledon Hill in her mobility scooter. We now have an e-bicycle which seats the two of us, with me doing all the pedalling.

Alix and I married in Holy Cross Church and we’re celebrating our 10th Anniversary in September 2026. Between us we’ve seven children and 11 grandchildren.

Susie O’Connor

I work in international relations but am equally interested in my local community. I grew up in Liverpool before putting down roots over 38 years in Merton. A parent and grandparent, my children went to schools in Merton and two were born in St Helier Hospital. A running addict, I’m a member of Wimbledon Windmilers, where I’m the club’s Mental Health Champion, and a volunteer with both Morden and Wimbledon Common Parkruns.

I joined the Green Party because I wanted to join with others to work for a fairer society and to look after our planet. In 2019, I stood as Green candidate for Cannon Hill. That year, I also worked with other Merton residents to pressure the council to adopt climate action targets. This isn’t just an environmentalist’s concern but the way to provide cheaper and healthier travel options and to ensure people in fuel poverty have warm homes.

On my housing estate I’ve experienced issues common to large and unresponsive social housing providers. I believe that Councillors can play a role in supporting social housing residents and ensure everyone has access to decent affordable housing.

I love Merton; its friendly communities; its beautiful natural spaces. It’s a great place to live for many. But not all. There’s great inequality in our borough. It needs a Green voice in the council chamber to make it better, fairer and more equal for all its residents. Merton’s future lies in its people and in making sure they are heard.