Amanda De Ryk, Labour's mayoral candidate for Lewisham, has outlined her key priorities if elected, including launching a community enforcement patrol to enhance safety and establishing a new youth trust to serve as a central hub for young people. De Ryk, a councillor for 16 years and current Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, was selected as Labour's candidate in January.
Experience and Vision
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, De Ryk emphasized her extensive experience with the council, a £1.3 billion organization serving 300,000 residents. She highlighted her role during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she led emergency response efforts. De Ryk stated, "A council is a really big complex organisation... It takes years to understand how an organisation like a council works." She aims to foster a culture of listening and comprehensive support.
Top Priorities: Fly-Tipping, Safety, and Youth
De Ryk pledged to intensify efforts against fly-tipping, including mobile CCTV cameras and increased fines, building on already reduced bulky waste collection costs. For safer streets, she plans to launch a community enforcement patrol with a visible uniformed presence in town centres and wider areas, utilizing Public Space Protection Orders to tackle antisocial behaviour. She said, "I want my residents... to be able to walk around the borough without fear of their safety."
On youth services, De Ryk announced a new youth trust to act as a "front door" for young people, offering after-school clubs, mental health support, and more. This builds on the council's recent in-house youth services expansion by 100 hours.
Political Landscape and Collaboration
Lewisham has traditionally been Labour-controlled, but the Green Party is expected to make gains. De Ryk welcomed collaboration, citing Jo Cox's words: "we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us." She added, "Challenge is healthy... We accept it."
Election Details
On May 7, Lewisham residents will vote for councillors and the directly-elected Mayor. The eight candidates include: Jay Delaney Coward (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition), Kayode Damali (Independent), Amanda De Ryk (Labour and Co-operative Party), Josh Matthews (Liberal Democrats), Roger Mighton (Independent), Pete Newman (Reform UK), Liam Shrivastava (Green Party), and Sylbourne Sydial (Conservatives).
