Abbey Action Team

Kara Abrams is a lifelong Merton resident, born at St George’s Hospital, raised in Mitcham and South Wimbledon, and currently lives in Abbey. Educated at Liberty Primary and Ricards Lodge High School, her sense of identity was shaped by local community life. Public service runs in her family her parents were Merton councillors, and her grandfather, Joseph Abrams, was the borough’s first Black Mayor of Merton. Kara now channels that legacy into her own work in local politics.

As a Team Leader for AFC Wimbledon’s NCS programme and now a youth leader at her church, Kara supports young people to grow in confidence and leadership. She also volunteers with local food banks and charities such as Positive Network.

Kara is a strong advocate for public services, and is committed to protecting public services, tackling the cost of living, and addressing the housing crisis.

Abbey Action Team

Andy grew up with the values of community, charity and fairness - principles he continues to uphold. After leaving home at 18 to study at the University of Huddersfield, he moved to London to build his career and now works as a Technical Operations Manager for a studio specialising in sound for Film, TV and Video Games.

In his spare time, Andy can often be found on runs around the borough (he is currently training for the London Marathon), enjoying a pint in local pubs, or reading about local history

Andy is proud to call Merton home, and as a Labour member since 2014, he has seen first-hand the positive work delivered by Labour-led Merton Council.

Andy is committed to making his community an even fairer, greener and safer place to live.

Abbey Action Team

Shajaki grew up in Merton and was raised in a hardworking British Sri Lankan Tamil family.

Shajaki attended school locally at Liberty Primary School and Ricards Lodge High School, and after studying at Queen Mary University of London, she completed a highly competitive graduate scheme in the financial sector. She now works in the financial sector, and has recently completed a master’s degree in Economic Policy at SOAS, University of London.

Shajaki’s commitment to public service began close to home. She previously worked as a Public Health Young Inspector at Merton Council, helping to review and improve services for young people. She has also volunteered with the National Trust at Morden Hall Park and supported local charity shops in Mitcham, giving her time to causes that strengthen the local community.

Leader of Merton Council

Ross is the Leader of Merton Council, the borough he has lived in all his life. He attended Benedict Primary School, The Priory Church of England Middle School, and Rutlish High School.

As Leader of the Council, Ross has led the Council’s investment into Merton’s towns and green spaces, the programme of support during the cost of living crisis, protection of essential local services, and the ambition for Merton to become London’s Borough of Sport. Coming from the borough has instilled in him a great pride for the community, and a drive to make Merton better for everyone.

Deputy Leader of Merton Council

Eleanor is the Deputy Leader of Merton Council and Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, and was elected as a Labour Councillor in 2018.

Eleanor grew up in Wimbledon and is raising her family in Borough.

Eleanor has an outstanding record of local and borough-wide delivery, helping to keep Merton as one of the safest boroughs in London, supporting local businesses and charities, and making sure everyone in the borough can be proud of who they are and where they live.