Goodbye 2022 and Happy New Year.

So another year draws to a close as wave goodbye to 2022.

It has certainly been an eventful year, politics wise we’ve seen an unprecedented three prime ministers as the Tory government goes from one crisis to another. A year where we’ve seen rising prices on a scale not seen for over forty years which has seen us plunge into recession with a government who after 13 years in power have run out of ideas with a stagnant economy. 

This year will also mark the end of the Elizabethan age as we’ve seen the loss of our Queen and the ascending of Charles to the throne.

Locally Labour retained Merton winning a 4th term and I bowed out of the cabinet after 12 years of service. It has enabled me to do many other things including travel after the impact of the pandemic on our lives which has thankfully faded though its impact will be long lasting on us all. Undoubtedly for me, dealing with the aftermath of the Galpin’s Road explosion in August and the tragic loss of a 4-year-old girl has been a challenge - in my twenty years as a councillor it has been by far the biggest issue I’ve dealt with locally. There are many unanswered questions that need answering but supporting those people impacted will continue to be a priority going into 2023.

Anyway, wherever you are in the world, I hope you all have a Happy New Year and that 2023 brings you peace and happiness.