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London Assembly member: Joanne McCartney, for Enfield and Haringey

Former barrister Joanne McCartney was elected as the Labour London Assembly member for Enfield and Haringey for a second term on May 2. Caron Kemp finds out her plans for the next four years at City Hall

It was a closely fought campaign with support divided. How will you work to represent the views of all residents of Enfield and Haringey?

This was the most marginal GLA seat and the Tories' number one target. We always knew it would be a closely fought election. Although a closely fought campaign, it was also a friendly one.

I will do my best for everyone, as I have done for the past four years. Anyone can contact me and I will gladly do what I can to help.

What have been your biggest achievements so far?

Helping the roll-out of our police Safer Neighbourhoods teams, campaigning for safer transport teams, which the Mayor of London took up - Enfield and Haringey were two of the first boroughs to get transport teams. The success of these initiatives can be seen through the steady fall in crime over the past few years.

Working with residents and other groups for better transport and pedestrian facilities - saving the 377 bus route, obtaining a new bus stop on North Hill in Highgate, working for more pedestrian crossings such as the recent crossing on Green Lanes near Endymion Road and the planned crossing on The Roundway in Tottenham.

As chairman of the health committee, I undertook good work which included breast cancer screening, neonatal care, mental health and public toilet provision.

What will you focus on now?

Crime and safety, especially on knife crime among our young people. We need to do more to prevent the carrying of knives, which has led to the senseless deaths of too many young people in London.

It is also clear that affordable housing is a big issue - many people wonder how their children are going to be able to afford to live in our city.

Boris Johnson has said he wants to scrap affordable housing targets, so I will be keeping a close eye on this and pushing for more affordable housing that ordinary residents can afford to rent or buy, especially more family accommodation.

Cleaning up our environment is a priority, and making it easier for people to opt for environmentally friendly choices, such as using public transport, walking and cycling.

People want to live in a clean, green area. Too many people die prematurely each year from poor air quality and we have some of the highest rates of childhood asthma.

What do you think is Haringey's biggest strength?

Its diversity and people, which makes Haringey able to adapt and change. People are prepared to stand up and challenge but also to work together.

What are the biggest challenges facing Haringey residents and how will you make a difference?

To continue to reduce crime, in particular crime by and against young people. I will ensure young people's voices are heard and involved in decision making.

The issue of affordable housing - I will scrutinise the Mayor on his policies to ensure Enfield and Haringey have affordable homes built in which our children can live. I also have concerns about the Mayor's commitment to the environment.

And to get the rail companies to improve their performance. They should all take Oyster by next year and they need to improve their reliability and quality. As a member of the London Assembly transport committee, I will push for these improvements.

What are your views on a BNP member sitting on the London Assembly?

I think it is appalling. One of this city's strengths is our diversity - we are a truly international city and attract investment and jobs because of that diversity. The BNP would wish to threaten this.

To contact Ms McCartney, write to her at the GLA, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA or email her at joanne.mccartney@ london.gov.uk

8:24am Thursday 15th May 2008

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