Clapham Town Councillor - Christopher Wellbelove

Councillor Christopher Wellbelove

When and why did you first become interested in politics?
I’ve been interested in politics as long as I can remember. My first involvement was when I joined a march against racism which I came upon while travelling around London for the day. There were two people on the bus who were complaining about the colour of the participants of the March and that they were 'taking over'. Being quite outspoken I gave them a piece of my mind and went to join the March - I must have been about 12 or 13.

As I grew up under a Tory government which caused record levels of unemployment , closed schools, youth clubs, hospital wards and introduced the Poll Tax, I was regularly marching through the streets of London and campaigning locally.

What inspired you to become a councillor?
After becoming involved in my local tenants and residents association I witnessed first hand the total incompetence of the Liberal Democrat / Conservative coalition that was running Lambeth. They introduced a restructuring programme which resulted in severe cuts to front line services in housing. Despite being warned by tenant leaders that this would not work they ploughed ahead and ignored residents views . Only now we know that not only did we lose valuable local knowledge as the Lib Dems and Tories cut services, but that the whole disastrous project not only failed to produce any savings but actually ended up costing more.

Christopher interviewing MP for Vauxhall, Kate Hoey click here to see the interview

Has it been worth it?
I keep saying 'this has been the best thing I have ever done' and it really is. There is a huge amount of work to do but the satisfaction that you get from getting little things done is amazing.

What’s your greatest fear and your greatest hope?
My greatest fear is the Conservatives forming the next government. My greatest hope is that Labour drives forward its programme to improve Lambeth council and I will be working hard to ensure that we do.

What’s the first thing you would do if you ruled the world for a day?
Ask for a week.

What single thing would most improve your area?
Increased police presence and community involvement in making our area safer.

What’s your favourite film?
Central Station.

What does Lambeth do particularly well?
Bringing together people with very different backgrounds and experiences to work together for the betterment of the area.

Christopher with GLA representative Val Shawcross and Cllr Helen O'Malley at businesses in Clapham Town hit by over-zealous parking enforcement

What do you consider your greatest political triumph?
Being part of Labour’s successful campaign to oust the Liberal Democrat and Conservative coalition that ran Lambeth Council. A huge amount of hard work had gone into exposing them for their failures, and it was fantastic to be at the election count when it became clear that Labour was taking key seats from the Liberal Democrats.

Of course taking a seat from a Conservative and becoming a Councillor for the Clapham Town ward, when elsewhere in London Conservatives were increasing their share of the vote was hugely satisfying. I was so proud to be elected as a representative for my area.

What is the biggest problem with local government today?
Lack of community engagement.

How would you solve it?
Encourage more people to get involved by showing them what can be achieved when they do get involved.

Who is your political hero, and why?
Stephen Bantu Biko. The story of Steve Biko inspired me as a child and I have so much respect for this man who lived and died for his beliefs, refusing to be silenced by a system that used violence to maintain the oppression of the black majority in South Africa. "It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die."

When and where are you most happy?
A quiet night in with a lovely meal, bottle of wine and some relaxing music.

What’s your theme song?
The only way is up

What's your favourite TV Programme?
Any of the Star Trek series

What one book would you take with you to a desert island?
How to build a computer and connect to the internet when you’re on a desert island with no shops.

Christopher with fellow Councillor Helen O'Malley with more graffiti in Clapham Town. Christopher regularly photographs and reports graffiti in the area to ensure that it is removed promptly	Christopher with Val Shawcross, GLA Representative for Lambeth and Southwark meeting representatives from Transport for London

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