Emily's Biography

Photograph - Head Shot of Emily

Originally from Merseyside, Emily has lived in Sutton since May 1990 and has two children, William and Victoria.

Emily stood for Labour in the 2010 local election for Sutton North. She has represented her constituency of Sutton and Cheam at Labour Party conferences and various external events.

Up to February 2014, Emily was Programme Head at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, responsible for health and local government. Prior to this, Emily worked at the Disability Rights Commission, leading corporate governance and a range of special projects; managed RNIB’s UK post-16 education and employment services and played an active role in reforming the Greater London Association of Disabled People.

Photograph of Emily outside Commission

As an advocate for rights and independence, Emily (herself blind) has campaigned for various social causes and is a former President of the National Federation of the Blind.

Photograph of Emily at an NFB Conference

Emily campaigned in the 1980’s for the introduction of the Disability Living Allowance, incorporating blind people for the first time. In the 1990’s she advocated for the civil rights of disabled people, leading to the Disability discrimination Act and the Task Force that created the Disability Rights Commission. In the 14 years since, Emily has been at the centre of equalities reform, resulting in the creation of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and harmonised legislation with the Equality Act (2010).

Photograph of Emily on the Disability Benefits march to Parliament

Photograph of Emily on the Disability Benefits march to Parliament

Photograph of Emily on the Disability Benefits march to Parliament

Currently, Emily is on the Board of Community Network, an innovative charity seeking to combat loneliness through telephone communities.

As Labour’s 2015 candidate, Emily aims to make a case for enhancing local people’s living standards, protect their services and promote opportunities for all. Emily draws on her extensive policy and campaigning experience in equality and human rights, commitment to social justice and family law reform.

As a stepping stone to the General Election, Emily is standing in Sutton Central Ward, to contest the Local Government election in May 2014.

Outside politics Emily enjoys socialising with friends, listening to audio books and following her passion for Liverpool – so with Emily’s style of politics “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

Contact details:- E-Mail [email protected] ~ Call 0776 506 0864 ~ Join Emily on Facebook