Abbey

Kara is a proud resident of the High Path Estate and calls Abbey her home. She was born in St George’s Hospital to Guyanese and Jamaican parents, and attended Liberty Primary School before going on to Ricards Lodge High School. Having lived in Merton her whole life, she is determined to give back to the community that has given her so much.

She began her career supporting local young people to fulfil their potential through the National Citizen Service (NCS) and AFC Wimbledon. In this role, she helped teenagers build confidence, learn new skills, and make positive contributions to their communities. She now works for a major security company, improving how they support customers and train staff.

Outside of work, Kara has volunteered with a local foodbank and serves as a youth leader in her church. Fitness and adventure are a big part of her life - she even completed a charity skydive, raising hundreds of pounds for the St George’s Hospital Charity Paediatric Ward. As someone living with disabilities, she has a deep appreciation for NHS workers, including her mother, whose dedication inspires her every day.

Kara believes in a fairer, greener, more connected Merton, built by and for the people who live here.

Abbey

Andy has lived in Abbey for the past eight years, and in that time he has fallen in love with the area and its fantastic local community.

He grew up in a small village in the countryside, where he learned the importance of community, charity, and fairness. After university, he moved to London to begin his career and now works in a studio specialising in sound for film, TV, and video games.

Over the years, Andy has seen how strong communities are built when people feel listened to and supported. Through his volunteering at Morden Library, he has also seen the challenges residents face — and the real difference a good councillor can make.

That’s why Andy is standing to be a councillor: to help ensure decisions are made fairly and in the interests of local people.

In his spare time, he can usually be found running around Morden Hall Park and Abbey Rec (he’s currently training for the London Marathon), enjoying a pint at The Trafalgar, or reading up on history, something Merton is steeped in.

Merton is the place Andy is proud to call home, and he is passionate about helping it continue to thrive. If elected, he will work hard to make Abbey even better for the people who live here.

Abbey

Shajaki has lived in Merton her whole life, growing up in a hardworking British Sri Lankan Tamil family that taught her the importance of community, kindness, and hard work.

She attended Liberty Primary School just around the corner, before going on to Ricards Lodge High School. Having grown up here, she has seen many changes in Merton - but the one thing that has always remained is the strong sense of community and the way people look out for one another.

After studying at a London university, Shajaki joined a graduate scheme in the financial sector and now works in funds and asset management at a financial services firm. She wants to use the skills she has gained in her career to support local businesses and to help ensure that Merton’s Labour‑run Council continues to make sound financial decisions that benefit the community.

Giving back has always been central to who she is. From working as a Public Health Young Inspector at Merton Council to volunteering with the National Trust at Morden Hall Park and in local charity shops, Shajaki has consistently dedicated her time to helping others.

Now, she is ready to take on a new challenge by standing to be a local councillor and to stand up for people in Abbey.

Leader of Merton Council

Ross Garrod’s parents moved to Mitcham when he was six months old, and it has been his home ever since. Ross attended Bennedict Primary School, Priory Middle School, and Rutlish High School. After moving out of the family home, he now lives on Grove Road near to St Mark’s Academy.

Ross has represented Longthornton ward for four years and is now the Leader of Merton Council. As part of Siobhain’s Action Team, Ross has secured investment in shop fronts on the shopping parade on Northborough Road and upgraded the facilities in Oakleigh Way (refurbished tennis courts) and Rowan Road Rec (new splash pad, children’s playground, refurbished basketball court).