Sarah brings over a decade of experience campaigning for better housing and tenant rights. Living on a newbuild estate, she has held housing associations and developers to account, fighting for repairs, preventing unfair evictions and securing compensation for neighbours. With a background in arts, education and health union work, Sarah has also helped establish youth provision and supported a wide range of community wellbeing activities. She is standing to deliver better housing, stronger services and a more resident-led approach to local politics.

Also standing in Larkswood ward, Deborah has lived in the Highams Park and South Chingford area for over 15 years and is deeply embedded in local community life. A teacher for more than 20 years, she has held senior leadership roles including Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo. Now an Advisory Teacher for a local authority, Debs is a passionate advocate for children with additional needs and for inclusive education. She is standing to ensure local decision-making works for everyone — especially the most vulnerable.

Also standing in Larkswood ward, Jennifer brings extensive experience in trade union organising, policy development and campaigning. She currently leads advocacy, policy and campaigns at Christian Aid, working to secure justice for the world's most marginalised people. A local resident, mum and member of St Edmund's Church, she is standing as an independent to serve the community - not a political party.

Standing in Valley ward, Matt was born at Whipps Cross and raised in Chingford. Since 2018, he has worked across health and social care in the NHS, local authority and third sector, supporting people with disabilities, learning difficulties and complex needs. Now a Patient Leader for Waltham Forest, Matt is committed to amplifying lived experience and strengthening community engagement. As a disabled person, he brings a strong focus on access, inclusion and tackling isolation.

Also standing in Valley ward, Saqeeb is a new father and local resident standing to help build a community where everyone can thrive and feel a genuine sense of belonging. With a professional background in financial planning and analysis, through his MBA and as a Fellow of the ACCA he brings expertise in governance, financial oversight and accountability. His experience as Chair and Treasurer of local sports clubs equips him to help protect vital services and ensure responsible use of public resources.

Also standing in Valley ward, Simon has lived locally for almost 10 years and works in higher education supporting student wellbeing. A lifelong trade unionist, Simon is standing as an independent to promote community-led politics and tackle growing inequality. He supports the development of local People's Assemblies to give residents a direct voice in shaping the future of South Chingford and the wider area. As a councillor, he would work to strengthen community connections and ensure residents' priorities are clearly represented.

Helen has lived in the area for 25 years and both her children attended Churchfields and Woodbridge schools. She works for a trade union and, until national Labour removed Faiza Shaheen as its candidate in 2024, had been chair of the local branch for ten years. She sits on the board of trustees of two charities - The Friends of Redbridge Music School, which supports the music education of 11,000 children in the borough, and Show Racism the Red Card, a national charity that educates against racism in schools and workplaces.

Jillian has lived in Churchfields for the last 20 years. Her children attended Churchfields and Woodbridge schools and her granddaughter is at Oakdale. As a nutritionist working with schools, Jill supported the health and wellbeing of families living in the community. As a former school governor, she was responsible for monitoring school food standards. Jill is passionate about doing politics differently and being part of real change.

Rita has lived in the area for 14 years. She is a university worker and trade unionist, representing members and handling casework. Rita is standing because she believes Churchfields residents deserve better representation. She was inspired by Faiza Shaheen's 2024 general election campaign, which demonstrated the power of progressive community-led politics. Since the last general election, Rita has been supporting local campaigns in Redbridge and working closely with independent Councillor Rosa Gomez.