JUNCTION WARD CANDIDATES
Faith Obiaka-Hayward
From a young age, I have been a steadfast advocate for people’s rights, guided by the values of fairness, dignity, equality, and inclusion. Junction Ward is not just where we live-it’s our community, our shared home. Yet I know that for many residents, everyday life is becoming increasingly difficult. I am standing for election because our community deserves a representative who understands these challenges and has the professional expertise to address them effectively.
Junction Ward is at a turning point. We are facing rising housing costs, poor housing conditions, and overstretched health services. I am particularly committed to protecting the Whittington Hospital, which is under immense pressure from funding cuts and the long-term burden of PFI contracts. I also share the deep concerns of residents regarding the increasing involvement of private companies like Palantir in our NHS. Healthcare must remain a public service driven by patient need-not private profit.
My commitment to Junction Ward is rooted in knowledge and experience. With a BA in Theatre Arts, a PGDE, and an MSc in Inclusive and Special Education, I have spent years working closely with children, families, and schools. I have seen directly the consequences of underfunded SEND provision, the long delays in EHCP assessments, and the struggles young people face due to mental health pressures and school exclusions.
As your councillor, I will be both a listener and a worker. I will collaborate with local organisations to champion inclusive services, strengthen health provision, address the exclusion of learners in schools, and ensure that every young person, whether or not they have SEND or an EHCP, gets the support they need.
From the classroom to a safe neighbourhood to quality clinical services, I will fight for fair, compassionate, and practical policies so no one in Junction Ward is left behind.
Ruth O'Dowd
I am an Islington resident of over 15 years, with a family history in the Irish community of Junction Ward. I am not from a traditional political background, so my motivation comes purely from being a resident myself and witnessing first hand the problems that impact our communities. I am standing to represent my fellow residents and give them a voice in Islington Town Hall. I am also very proud to be part of a community that stands so strongly in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and to have signed Islington PSC's Candidate Pledge for Palestine.
My background is in arts education, and I have worked locally for many years, including mentoring at the National Youth Theatre on Holloway Road, helping young people build confidence, find their voice, and develop skills for life. I have seen first hand the ways in which art changes and enriches lives, particularly for those struggling elsewhere in their lives with housing, health, or access to education. Cultural spaces are something that everyone should have access to and it is heartening to hear from Junction residents that there is already lots of support for the development of an arts centre in Archway.
In Summer 2024, I replied to a call out for volunteers to help elect Jeremy Corbyn as an Independent MP. I had always voted for Jeremy, and felt it my duty to help ensure his victory. I will never forget how nervous I was walking into his office, only to find that I was fully embraced by the whole team. Following Jeremy’s election victory, I became involved in Jeremy’s regular community meetings, working diligently behind the scenes to co-organise and facilitate on topics affecting local residents, such as housing conditions, health and worker’s rights. In Islington, we are lucky to have so many incredible activists, and I have been proud to support local campaigns, including collaborating with my incredible colleague Cllr. Ilkay Cinko-Oner to set up a desperately needed Parents & Carers Union, and supporting Shirley Franklin, founder of Defend the Whittington Coalition, in her unwavering campaign to fight against the defunding of our local hospital, and for a publicly owned NHS.
As someone who always wanted to be more involved locally, but didn’t know how and worried about feeling like an imposter, I understand what it’s like to be a frustrated resident with seemingly no say in what happens on my doorstep. I will be a councillor who bridges that gap, someone who listens, brings people together, and ensures decisions reflect the actual needs and experiences of Junction communities.
Being asked to be a part of ICI has been an honour; a local party solely for Islington residents, founded by four former Labour councillors who made the tough decision to stand by their principles, when it would have been much easier to stay quiet and do nothing.
If elected, I will work for a council that is transparent, accessible, and genuinely responsive. I will stand up for Junction residents and work to build a fairer, more compassionate Islington for everyone.
Pat Prendergast
My name is Pat Prendergast. I have lived in Islington for the past 2 years while studying history at University at UCL.
Despite my short time here in Islington I’ve been committed to helping in the community, volunteering for the Islington North People’s forum, helping with Acorn to oppose unfair evictions, getting involved in our Your Party Proto-Branch, and joining our already well established activism networks. I have met so many kind, knowledgeable and committed people who have helped me find a home here and welcomed me into this community.
At my university I have organised a Your Party society to bring together students across UCL and other London Universities, join the fight for improved workers rights in UCL, and support our BDS movement against UCL’s complicity in genocide. I did this in the hopes of bringing the welcoming community spirit in Islington to other students across London.
Standing as a councillor means supporting the community. I will fight for improved housing, a reliable and supported healthcare, and better support for our young people. But more than that I will be responsible and accountable to our community - bridging the gap between politics and the people who it affects.
I have seen worrying apathy in students and young people surrounding politics, in which it is a separate, unchangeable world for older out of touch people to make all the decisions. I want to bring local politics that is local and community based, ensure young people get their voices heard, and
ultimately do some good and give back to the borough that has welcomed, inspired and uplifted me for these past 2 years.
I am incredibly excited for this election and whatever follows and cannot wait to keep meeting and supporting the many Islingtonians that make this an incredibly special place.