Merton Park Ward Independent Residents Party retained its three council seats.
By Luke Baker and Emma Griffin
Newcomer Edward Foley admitted at last night’s Merton elections that the love of his community had propelled him into the political world.
Councillor Foley was a pivotal part of the Merton Park Ward Independent Residents Party, which retained its three council seats.
The party outperformed all their higher profile rivals, in securing 64% of votes in Merton Park, on an evening which saw Labour secure an overall majority.
And Cllr Foley acknowledged that he has never entertained the thought of living anywhere else.
“I love my neighbours so I’ve never thought about leaving,” he said.
“I’m the new boy in the Merton Park Ward Independent Residents party, replacing Karin Forbes, and I’m looking forward to it as we’ve been very successful over the past four years.
“I’ve lived in Merton Park all my life and I’ve never moved because it is a great community neighbourhood.”
Although he admitted his lack of experience in canvassing prospective voters left him anxious he said it was worth all the hard work come election night.
He also confessed he was proud to contribute to the party’s long tradition of success at local elections.
“I was worried as I’d never canvassed before but it was reassuring to see our pile of ballot papers so high,” he said.
“It’s fantastic that Merton Park has been independent for 24 years and yet we’re still going strong.”
Follow us @SW_Londoner
