South Tottenham by-election candidates make their pitch for votes

Olivia Opara speaks to the candidates ahead of tomorrow’s by-election in South Tottenham

This Wednesday, 4th October, Haringey Council will be holding a by-election for the South Tottenham ward.

This comes following Labour councillor Charles Adje’s resignation for “personal reasons” on Friday, 18th August.

Four candidates will stand in the upcoming by-election, including representatives for the Liberal Democrats, Labour, Green Party and Conservative and Unionist Party. Haringey Community Press spoke to the nominated candidates ahead of the vote.

David Schmitz – Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat candidate David believes that “one thing has remained the same, the way the local Labour Party has taken the area for granted”. If elected he plans to address the “epidemic” of fly-tipping and dirty streets, continue working with the local police to reduce crime and advocate for council tenants and leaseholders.

David is a barrister and has been a Tottenham resident since the 1980s. He was previously an elected councillor from May 2010 to May 2014.

Mark Grosskopf – Labour

Labour candidate Mark Grosskopf is standing in the by-election because of his experience of local community work and plans to tackle anti-social behaviour, make streets cleaner and greener, and “be a strong voice for all members of the community”.

Mark is a local resident of 15 years who chaired the Friends of Markfield Park group, organising litter picks and community events, to organising summer camps for children with special needs.

Jonathan McKinley – Green Party

Green Party candidate Jonathan McKinley is standing in the by-election to “give Green voters a voice” and believes that “residents would be well served by having a fresh perspective on issues affecting the ward and the borough”.

If elected, Jonathan plans to seek improvements to the living environment for local residents, minimise the “adverse environmental effects” of any future developments in the area and help Haringey become “a model green borough” for London.

Jonathan is a local resident and will also be working to “engage the community in an inclusive manner”.

Shloime Royde – Conservative

Shloime did not respond to requests for comment.

For more information about this week’s by-election in South Tottenham including where you can vote:
Visit haringey.gov.uk/local-democracy/elections-and-voting/upcoming-elections#4-october

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.