Merlene Emerson
Building bridges between the Liberal Democrats and the silent majority
Greater London Authority
My Priorities
- Improving Londoners' quality of life - by pressing for more affordable housing, safer streets, improved transport and a greener environment.
- Challenging the Tories in Local Government - by being an independent voice against the 3 Tory controlled Councils (in the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and City of Westminster)
- Better accountability - by using my legal skills to hold the Mayor to account, to ensure greater transparency and value for money services.
The Liberal Democrats are the Real Alternative to the Labour Government and to the Tory Local Government, neither of which are open nor sufficiently accountable to you. Only with the Liberal Democrats can you be assured of an open and transparent government that puts the people and community at the heart of decision making. Not spin and image. And not arrogance and complacency.
We pledge to create a fairer, greener and safer London for you. And remember, ALL LONDONERS, no matter what your background or aspirations, have a right to be heard and have your views represented.
Profile
Background
I was born in Singapore and came to London in 1979 as a law student. Both my parents are Chinese, but on my mother's side, I can trace my ancestry back 6 generations in South East Asia and therefore inherited a strong sense of colonial history and identity. To that extent I feel a kindred bond with immigrants from other ex-colonies now in the Commonwealth. One of my favourite laments is that my sons (along with a whole generation or two of students) have grown up in the UK not taught enough about the role played by Great Britain in shaping the world around us today.
Career
After graduation from King's College I obtained my Master of Laws degree at Cambridge. I trained as a Solicitor and worked at a leading City law firm in the high adrenalin-fueled world of corporate finance and banking.
I returned briefly to Singapore and requalified there as an advocate and solicitor and made partnership at a medium sized firm specialising in the areas of joint ventures and cross-border finance.
For a time I was catching the plane from Singapore to Jakarta and Bangkok as if I were catching the bus. Those were the days before we even thought of our carbon footprint, of course! But seriously, it is important that we have London Assembly members who have had careers and experiences outside of the world of local politics in order to be able to have the vision and understanding of issues that shape London as a leading capital city of the world.'
Mediation and alternate dispute resolution
In 2000 I retrained as a mediator with CEDR (Centre for Dispute Resolution) and worked as a pro-bono community mediator in the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. I learnt about the problems of concern to residents and found ways of helping them take responsibility for their own actions. Resolution often comes through meeting needs not demands.
Work life balance
Merlene and family on a 'competent crew' sailing holiday. Great sport for developing teamwork!
I am a mother of three boys aged 10-16. Whilst they were growing up (they are much more independent now) I obtained a British Wheel of Yoga teaching diploma and continue to do yoga in my spare time. As I believe passionately that children are our future, I regularly fund-raise for the charity Save the Children and occasionally speak at schools about the work that the charity does. I am also a Trustee of the legally aided Chinese Information and Advice Centre and a Director of Richmond Housing Partnership.
Entree into Politics
Helping Westminster Lib Dems at the last byelection at Abbey Road.
Nearly 25 years after my first arrival in the UK I finally made conscious decision to become British and to join a political party. I chose the Liberal Democrats because I believe in its values of social justice, civil liberties and the right of the individual to live a life free from discrimination and ignorance. I am a dedicated party activist, Membership and Recruitment officer, Secretary to the Richmond Lib Dem Council Group and co-founder of Chinese Liberal Democrats. I ran for the Local Council in May 2005 representing Barnes ward in Richmond. I now seek the opportunity to represent the Liberal Democrats on the London Assembly so that we can have an Assembly that is more representative of Londoners as a whole.
Motivation
Whereas many today are career politicians, it is all the more important to have politicians who have had careers outside of politics. I was motivated to enter politics by a wish to serve the community. There is presently not a single Liberal Democrat Councillor in London who is Chinese nor any Liberal Democrat MP or GLA Assembly Member who is an ethnic minority member. Yet London thrives and prospers because of its diversity and will continue to do so if we are given an active role.
Printed and published by Merlene Toh Emerson at 8 Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9EB. Hosted by 1&1 Internet Limited, The Nova Building, Herschel Street, Slough, SL1 1XS. Published and promoted by Andrew Reeves on behalf of Merlene Emerson and London Liberal Democrats all at 4 Cowley Street, London, SW1P 3NB.