Ferndale Councillor - Neil Sabharwal

Neil Sabharwal

When and why did you first become interested in politics?
I became interested when my father told me of his political exploits when he got the authorities at his university in India to look after the many poor people who lived round its campus. He told me of the strikes and protests he organised and how political involvement gave him, just a single man, the chance to improve the lives of the many worst off. It was a great display of what a force for good politics can be if you use power wisely and for the less fortunate.

What inspired you to become a councillor?
I was inspired by the goals and values of the labour councillors when we were in opposition and I was an action team member. They wanted to do the right thing and make real the high quality services, good schools and clean, safe environment that the people of Lambeth needed to live better quality lives.

Neil where he grew up, Tremadoc Road in Ferndale

Has it been worth it?
Yes. We as a labour group have accomplished a massive amount in the short period of time we've been in power. For example I'm proud that we've saved Clapham manor pool. On a personal note I've already helped quite a few residents and community groups with their issues in my ward. I feel I'm making a real positive difference.

What's your greatest fear and your greatest hope?
I'll be philosophical and say my "greatest" fear is that we lose our freedom of thought and imagination by letting dogma rule our minds. My greatest hope is in humanity as its too rebelious to allow this to happen for prolonged periods.

What's the first thing you would do if you ruled the world for a
day?
Give everyone the day off. No seriously... I would end the common agricultural policy and other inefficient and unequitable barriers to economic prosperity for poorer nations.

Dr Gupta, Ferndale GP, Sandmere Road, SW4 endorses Neil as the candidate for Ferndale May 2006

What single thing would most improve your area?
Fixing the bits which need repairs, cleaning and rebuilding on our estates.

What fictional character do you identify with, and why?
Robin Hood..... Don't ask why!

What's your favourite film?
Terminator 2

What does your council do particularly well?
I think the members enquiry system is very effective. I also think the IT deployment of the Blackberry's is brilliant because as soon as I want to get the council to do or fix something I can do so from my Blackberry wherever I am.

What do you consider your greatest political triumph?
I think helping get 3 labour councillors elected in the marginal Clapham town ward because it had a larger than life incumbant tory councillor who thought we was invincible.

Neil with Ferndale councillors, Sally Prentice and Paul McGlone inspecting the playground at Kendoa Road

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Practically begging a young mother to vote 5 mins before the polls closed.

What is the biggest problem with local government today?

Poor housing conditions. Also when people need a housing transfer urgently but it takes a very long time for it to happen.

How would you solve it?
Decent homes standard from the government and our local partys
committments to this standard will will go a long way to solve this
issue.

John and Peggy Bunce of Haselrigge Road, SW4 are good friends of Neil and will be voting for 3 Labour councillors in May 2006

Who is your political hero, and why?
I have lots of politicians who I respect, Ghandhi, Martin Luther King, Mandela, Atlee, Bevan, Robin Cook. I think highly of them because they made the world a better place and fought injustice and ignorance at the expense of their own life.

When and where are you most happy?
When I am out with friends or at home having a really good meal.

What's your theme song, and why?
Mission Impossible. They always do the impossible.

What one book would you take with you to a desert island?
A survival guide book! Specialising on desert islands!


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