Clapham Town Councillor - Nigel Haselden

Councillor Nigel Haselden

Nigel Haselden has been Labour Councillor for Clapham Town since May 2006. He is also Deputy Cabinet Member with responsibility for Transport:

When and why did you first become interested in politics?
It would probably be when I first went to college in 1968. The college didn't open on time because the protests taking place in Paris were having a knock on effect in London. So when it did finally open I was flung from secondary school into this political maelstrom. Let's just say it was a formative experience!

What inspired you to become a councillor?
After many years of getting increasingly involved in my community I made the decision to stand. First I was a primary school governor, then a member of the Town Centre Board and the Management Advisory Committee for our local common. I helped to found the Secondary Schools Campaign in Lambeth, working to get three new schools in the centre of the borough and over time this all gave me a strong grounding in local politics. I decided that rather than campaigning from the sidelines, I should get directly involved and become a Labour Councillor.

Has it been worth it?
Absolutely. I'm thoroughly excited both by being a ward councillor and by my remit as Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport.

What’s your greatest fear and your greatest hope?
My greatest fear is that I will let people down. My greatest hope is to be a part of a team that can permanently change Lambeth for the better.

What’s the first thing you would do if you ruled the world for a day?
Give everybody a bike and have a mass participation ride!

What single thing would most improve your area?
Stopping people from using the roads that surround Clapham Common as a race track. It's a real problem locally.

What’s your favourite film?
"The Usual Suspects"

What does your council do particularly well?
It's good at reminding everyone that they live in Lambeth and giving them a sense of belonging.

What do you consider your greatest political triumph?
Being part of a fantastic victory in Clapham Town ward in the 2006 local elections.

What is the biggest problem with local government today?
It's not joined up enough.

How would you solve it?
I would look at where local government is working well between different departments and spread best practice to where this isn't happening.

Who is your political hero, and why?
Ken Livingstone. He's a rare example of a populist and popular left wing politician who can also take responsibility and run things.

When and where are you most happy?
Hearing my son play music - keyboards and guitar - superb.

What’s your theme song, and why?
"Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream, simply because it's a great tune.

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