WERA Asks brings you another EXCLUSIVE interview, in the build up to our forthcoming
‘Political Month’,
we bring you yet another insightful in-
You can
read it below and remember to LOOK out for the
Starting
here on Friday 5th February 2010.
So in the build up to Political Month we EXCLUSIVELY bring you…
How long have you been an MP?
Nearly 18 years
What do most enjoy about representing the people?
Occasionally securing justice for
a constituent against all the odds.
How do you feel you as an MP has benefited our residents?
Helping in campaigns for
new schools, new health facilities, and new community centres – like the Weir Link.
What does community mean to you?
Mutual aid – the basis of my personal politics.
Keith, We understand you are due to retire at the next General Election, how would
you most like to be remembered once you have retired?
As an advocate for the poor
and powerless.
What are your plans once you retire?
What do you mean “retire”? I can’t keep up with
all the jobs people want me to do.
How do you think your constituency has changed over the years?
Definitely for the
better, and partly because there are more voluntary groups of residents working for
the common good.
What advice would you give to the person who becomes our MP?
Never forget the folk
who put you there!
Can you tell us what other roles you have had during the time you have been an MP?
I have been a transport minister, a housing and planning minister, minister for London
(twice!),
a whip, and Tony Blair’s parliamentary private secretary.
Please describe in which ways you work directly with WERA?
By visiting the estate
and maintaining contact with WERA officers.
I expect to continue the link in my new
job as Chair of Lambeth Living.
If you could change one thing about this country what would it be?
Put an end to
graffiti which is a crime. Prosecute Banksy!
What is your most memorable moment in your role?
Meeting Nelson Mandela at the Brixton
Rec.
Who is the most influential person you have ever met and why?
Probably President
Clinton when he visited the Labour Party Annual Conference.
What more do you think can be done to improve communities?
You can never have enough
people participating, and money.
Where would you most like to visit in the world?
I would like to return to India,
my most vivid travel experience ever.
What could you most not leave home without?
My Oystercard (soon to be my Freedom
Pass!)
What advice as an experienced member of parliament would you give to our
residents
about improving their community?
Elect good leaders.
What is your favourite aspect of Lambeth and why?
I think the kids in our Lambeth
schools are marvellous. They give me hope for the future.
Do you feel you have accomplished all you have set out to do in the time you have
been an MP?
Probably not, but I feel immensely privileged as a person from a very
modest working class
background to have done what I have done.
How and when should residents contact you?
Rt Hon Keith Hill MP, House of Commons,
SW1A 0AA, or on hillk@parliament.uk.
After I retire as MP, I can be contacted at
Lambeth Living, as Chair of the Board.
Other Interviews:
Susan Sheehan... Click here to view
Richard Rivers-
Diana Morris... Click here to view
PCSO Karen Rose... Click here to view
Sabina Joseph... Click here to view
Steve Reed... Click here to view
Nick Ephgrave... Click here to view
Val Shawcross... Click here to view
Patrick Horgan... Click here to view
Lib Peck... Click here to view
Derrick Anderson... Click here to view
Cathy Deplessis... Click here to view
Chris Adamson... Click here to view
Thank you Keith for taking part in WERA Asks.
On behalf of WERA and WERA.org.uk we
would like to wish you well for the future
and thank you for your years of dedicated
service to your Constituents.