Stockwell Councillor - Pete Bowyer

Councillor Pete Bowyer

Peter Bowyer has been labour Councillor for Stockwell since August 2003:

When and why did you first become interested in politics?
When I was growing up in the North East, politics was at the forefront of most people's minds. I joined the Labour Party in 1983 (and was possibly the only person who did join that year!). Essentially the huge damage that Margaret Thatcher was doing to the country at that time was what really got me involved.

What inspired you to become a councillor?
The idea that I could help get things done in my local community.

Has it been worth it?
Definitely. Just seeing the difference locally from all the campaigning that I, and my two Labour ward colleagues, have done has been really rewarding.

What's your greatest fear and your greatest hope?
My greatest fear would be the return of a Tory Government or a Lambeth Lib Dem Council. Middlesbrough winning the league is my greatest hope!

What's the first thing you would do if you ruled the world for a day?
Make Middlesbrough win the league! (Are you sensing a pattern here?)

What single thing would most improve your area?
To eliminate crime and anti-social behaviour. I think that the new safer neighbourhood teams introduced under Labour are a big step in the right direction on this.

What's your favourite film?
Goodfellas

What do you consider your greatest political triumph?
Winning the Stockwell by-election in 2003.

What is the biggest problem with local government today?
I think local Government has been too constrained by central government for many years.

How would you solve it?
Give more powers to local government. There has to be a sensible limit but I don't think the balance is quite right at the moment.

Who is your political hero, and why?
Neil Kinnock, because of the way he managed to transform the Labour Party in the eighties and early nineties.

When and where are you most happy?
When I'm at home with my baby and my wife to be, Emma.

What's your theme song, and why?
Up the Boro, for obvious reasons.

What one book would you take with you to a desert island?
Middlesbrough - A Complete History

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