In our latest councillor’s column, Conservative Chris Joannides explains why he’s proud to represent Southgate

Chris Joannides has represented Southgate since 2022

It is an immense honour to have been elected three times as a councillor for the London borough of Enfield, most recently to represent Southgate ward, and I will never forget how local residents have put their trust in me.

I fondly remember growing up in a home where current affairs were frequently discussed and learning with gratitude about my country. My parents believed in the value of hard work and always encouraged ambition.

Having graduated from University College London in 2000, still in my early twenties and yearning for a fresh challenge, I found myself drawn to the world of politics. Acutely conscious of how Labour had steadily ruined the neighbouring borough of Haringey, I certainly did not want the same to happen to Enfield; I therefore joined the Conservative Party locally, aware of the party’s proud connection with this area.

Now happily married and with two young children, I find myself more motivated than ever. For the last three years I have had the privilege to represent the residents of Southgate ward along with my colleagues councillors Stephanos Ioannou and Elisa Morreale.

We work well as a team and have been a strong voice for the residents of Southgate; together, we are passionate to improve the borough we cherish so much.

Southgate is a wonderful place to live with many interesting features. The area dates to the 14th Century when a medieval settlement clustered around the ‘South Gate’ entrance to the royal hunting grounds of Enfield Chase.

Southgate Underground Station is a marvel of modern architecture, designed by Charles Holden in 1933, and is now a Grade 2 listed building. Sir Thomas Lipton, founder of Lipton Tea, lived for much of his life in a large house in Chase Side which had the wonderful telephone number “No.1 – Southgate”.

As a ward councillor I have dealt with numerous queries from Southgate residents, especially concerning council tax and fly-tipping. I am determined to overturn the Labour council’s decision to close Southgate Library and I remain concerned about the use of the former Southgate Police Station as a hostel. I would also like to introduce flower beds into Southgate Circus.

We are all only too familiar with the disgraceful state of our borough’s roads and pavements, but how many are also aware that the Labour council deliberately reduced the number of public litter bins in order to reduce litter?!

Next year the Conservative Party hopes to retake control of Enfield Council after 16 years of Labour mismanagement. If successful, our priorities will include protecting the Green Belt, revitalising the borough’s high streets, restoring weekly bin collections, tackling anti-social behaviour and reassessing the council’s financial priorities.

It’s going to be exciting!

Chris Joannides is one of three councillors representing Southgate, alongside Stephanos Ioannou and Elisa Morreale (all Conservative). To get in touch:
Email [email protected]

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