Wandle

Sebastian was born and raised in West London and has lived in the area for the past seven years, now just off Plough Lane next to AFC Wimbledon’s stadium. His husband is an NHS doctor working at St George’s Hospital, and they recently married right here in Merton at the beautiful Morden Park House. Together they’ve become enthusiastic supporters of the Dons.

Sebastian works in film and television production. In his spare time, he’s passionate about music: he set up and sings in a choir, and he loves exploring local green spaces - from Wandle Meadow Nature Park to cycling routes along the River Wandle. As the son of Polish parents, he’s a proud European who values the diversity and community spirit that make the area so special.

Locally, Sebastian chairs his residents’ association and recently led a successful campaign for residents to secure the Right to Manage across several leasehold blocks. This has given hundreds of neighbours more control over their homes, improved services, and reduced costs. His community also supports the Dons Local Action Group through food bank collections and furniture donations. He has also helped improve local street safety and worked to get new trees planted in nearby streets.

Sebastian has already spoken to many residents across Wandle ward about the issues that matter most to them - from safer streets and reliable transport to cleaner, greener public spaces. He is committed to listening, taking action, and helping make the neighbourhood the best it can be.

He is proud to be part of the local Labour Action Team and looks forward to continuing to work with residents, volunteers, and councillors to make a real difference for the community.

Wandle

Eleanor loves living in this leafy and green part of Wimbledon. Her parents moved to a house near the Wandle when she was a teenager, and she is now raising her daughter here. Her daughter went to Garfield Primary School, one of the many great schools in the area, and Eleanor loved that it was right next to the park and the river. As an active family, they enjoy walks along the river, and you’ll often see Eleanor cycling around the area to meetings, the shops, or taking her daughter to her sports clubs.

Eleanor has been a councillor since 2018, always representing her home ward. Like many of her generation, she is a private renter and lives near the Sultan pub with her husband and daughter. One of the things she loves most about the area is the fantastic independent pubs and cafés that give the neighbourhood its character.

She regularly volunteers in local parks, and one of her proudest achievements as a councillor has been securing investment for these green spaces. In Garfield Park, she worked with the Council and the Friends of the Park volunteers to completely redesign the older children’s play area, installing new seating, a gym, and table tennis. In Haydons Road Rec, she helped secure a coveted Green Flag award.

Another source of pride for Eleanor is the strength of the local community. From neighbours looking out for one another, to the generous donations made to the Dons Local Action Group, to the countless hours of volunteering in schools, churches, and charities - this is what makes the area special. As a councillor, she does everything she can to support the community, from overseeing millions of pounds of funding for charities to bringing together groups from different faith communities.

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).