Teresa Pearce MP

Ms Pearce, smiling.

I did not join the party with my sights set on the House of Commons, I joined because I wanted to change society. Now after 25 years of campaigning and organising I want to take that fight to where the laws are made. If elected you can expect a non stop effort from me I would hit the ground running, the role of candidate is crucial and demands full commitment from the moment of selection. We win peoples hearts and minds with the work done now rather than a few weeks before election day. I am a skilled organiser and together we can deliver a strong effective campaign and at the same time re vitalise the local party. I am energetic, enthusiastic and hardworking. I can motivate people and keep a sense of fun whilst running a well planned campaign.
Labour needs to win the next general election in order to protect the NHS and safeguard its future. You can’t leave peoples lives to the rigours of the market. Regeneration of industry is vital, a strategy for growth is not enough, we must have a strategy for jobs.  Without retaining power we can not change the system. Our ideals are born out of faith and, more importantly, understanding, of the lives of working people. Without these twin roots, policies are just pieces of paper. Labour candidates must have faith, understanding, strong campaigning skills and a proven record of hard work. I believe I am such a person.

I came with my family to live in London at the age of ten, a shy young girl from a small Lancashire town.  Although my family went back to live in Lancashire 12 years later I stayed, because I am a Londoner. 

I went to school in London, as did both my children,  I learnt to drive in London (not an easy task). I commute every day along with thousands of others.  My daughters were born in SE London NHS hospitals. 

 I was in Trafalgar Square with my parents rejoicing in 1966 when England won the world cup.  London is my home. And more importantly Erith and Thamesmead is my home and has been for 30 years.

 I understand the need for strong government and services for  London, something that was lacking for far too long during those dreadful Thatcher years.  I was helped by local government when I most needed it in the early 1970’s before Thatcher did her worst in the 1980’s.   

I left school  at 17 to get married and become a mother and I found myself  at 18 after the departure of my husband alone facing the world with a small baby and bleak prospects.  But thanks to a small council  flat in Belvedere , a GLC funded day nursery and a Bexley council funded career advisor I was set on the road to independence, self respect,and a career in the worlds financial hub, the city of London.

I am now perceived as a successful career woman but that is partly because Erith and Thamesmead gave me life chances.

I welcome the opportunity to give back to Erith and Thamesmead  the chances that it gave to me and my family. I look forward to seeing the people of Erith and Thamesmead able to harness their full potential and access all the things that should be available to them living in the South East  corner of a world class city.