From battling cancer to fighting for Highfield

Conservative councillor Peter Charalambous reveals his journey into politics and which local issues are top of his agenda

Peter Charalambous was elected in May to represent Highfield ward (credit Enfield Council)

Four months ago, the residents of Highfield ward did something extraordinary.

In the local election, our community decided it was time for a fresh approach, turning what had long been considered a safe Labour seat into a major Conservative win.

Standing alongside my colleague, Bambos Charalambous, we were deeply honoured to receive the backing of our neighbours. For me, stepping into Enfield Civic Centre as your elected councillor was not just a political milestone – it was a deeply personal triumph.

Many in Enfield know that my journey to this seat has not been straightforward. My most difficult trial came during my first run for council back in 2022. I was not just fighting a political campaign; I was fighting for my life against stage four cancer.

Facing down life’s toughest hurdle teaches you a lot about resilience, empathy, and absolute determination. It is that exact fighting spirit that I have brought directly into my role representing you.

Having lived in Enfield for over 55 years, my roots here are deep. I am a family man, married with three daughters who grew up in this borough. Professionally, I have spent more than 36 years working in the travel industry, managing complex logistics, building strategies, and handling tight budgets.

For a quarter of a century, I have also thrown myself into grassroots community work – as chairman of our local Greek school, vice chairman of The Cypriot Football League (UK) and currently as a trustee at the Friends of Firs Farm, who look after our community hub and wetlands, a place I recommend all Enfieldians to visit.

I didn’t run for council to sit on the sidelines or accept the status quo. I ran because I believe that local government should work for the people who pay for it.

Now, four months into the job, both Cllr Charalambous and I have hit the ground running. We are already delivering visible, practical changes to the issues that have been ignored for far too long. We have actively targeted speeding and antisocial behaviour to make our streets safe for families. We have launched a major crackdown on the environmental blight of fly-tipping and are taking a hard line against illegal houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) that threaten the integrity of our neighbourhoods.

Furthermore, we are finally tackling the destructive, overgrown tree roots that have been left to wreck public pavements and creep into residents’ private driveways and gardens. These are the everyday frustrations that affect our quality of life, and we are fixing them one by one.

Looking forward, our mission remains clear. We want an Enfield that is clean, safe, and prosperous. That is why we are fully committed to bringing back weekly bin collections and introducing 30 minutes free parking – vital services our residents deserve to keep our streets immaculate.

Living here for over half a century has taught me that no challenge is too great when a community stands together. Highfield ward has trusted us to deliver strong, transparent, and dedicated representation, and we will continue working every single day to prove that your trust was well placed.

Peter Charalambous represents the Highfield ward alongside his Conservative colleague Bambos Charalambous (not the same person who represents Southgate and Wood Green in parliament). To get in touch with Cllr Charalambous:
Call 0204 534 1731
Email [email protected]

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