Coldharbour Councillor - Donatus Anyanwu

Councillor Donatus Anyanwu

When and why did you first become interested in politics?
My father was a trade unionist who had a strong belief in social justice, so I guess that was the start . Also, being at university in the 1980’s it was difficult not to get involved in politics. The situation in South Africa and Northern Ireland were extremely emotive at the time and that meant that many people became politicised.

What inspired you to become a councillor?
The Labour Party in the 1980’s was in a very difficult position, but I truly believed, and still do, that the Labour Party is the only mechanism that can change British Society for the better. As someone who joined when they were young I realised that some people in the Party were making huge political mistakes by taking up the extreme positions that they were. I wanted to become a Councillor in Lambeth because I wanted to change my local area and change the local party. I was one of many who did that and I think that we have made a good job of it. We now have a Local Labour party which takes its responsibilities to local people very seriously.

Has it been worth it?
Yes, absolutely. Hopefully people will agree that I have made a good contribution for my local area.

What’s your greatest fear and your greatest hope?
My greatest fear is that one day the Tories will be back in Government, running the country. They were a disaster last time they were in power and they would be a disaster for the country again.

What’s the first thing you would do if you ruled the world for a day?
I would knock heads together in the middle east. It fuels so many other problems in the world. So much human potential is being wasted by that conflict. I would sort out global climate change second!

What single thing would most improve your area?
The elimination of child poverty.

What’s your favourite film?
Cry Freedom

What does your council do particularly well?
I think that Lambeth is better than many other councils for it’s social care provision, simply because there is such a high demand for services here.

What do you consider your greatest political triumph?
I’d say it was being part of the team in Lambeth that bucked the national trend and beat the Tories and Lib Dems in this years’ local elections.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
When Jesse Jackson was in the country some years ago I was invited to go to an event to meet him. Right at the start of the event my suit trousers ripped at the back. I had to sit down throughout the entire event, even when Jesse Jackson was introduced to me. People thought I was in awe of him and couldn’t stand up to shake his hand!

What is the biggest problem with local government today?
The inability to provide affordable housing

How would you solve it?
Look at more power for Local Authorities to build new housing.

Who is your political hero, and why?
Nelson Mandela because he is a man who suffered deeply at the hands of his political enemies and was still able to forgive them. To be able to let go of hatred in that way makes him a political hero in my eyes.

When and where are you most happy?
When I’m with my wife and son at home, particularly when we visit Ireland.

What’s your theme song, and why?
You’ll Never Walk Alone. I love that song and I’m not even a Liverpool Fan! Or perhaps John Lennon’s Imagine. In their different ways they are both very political songs.

What one book would you take with you to a desert island?
“Things Fall Apart” by China Chibe

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