West Barnes

Oenone has lived in Merton since 1993, and spent the last 14 years living right here in West Barnes. She loves West Barnes and all the local area has to offer, including excellent schools such as West Wimbledon Primary School which her children attended. Oenone is a strong believer in the importance of the performing arts and the power they have in giving people a sense of belonging and improving wellbeing. She puts that belief into practice by supporting the Lantern Arts Centre in Raynes Park, not only helping out with front of house duties but performing herself too!

Oenone is very active in the community, and you will often see her serving teas and coffees to local residents attending their community coffee hub. She is also an active member of the Morden Baptist Church and has a leadership role focusing on music and supporting local young people. 

West Barnes

Since moving to West Barnes with her husband to raise their family, Rebecca has quickly got involved in the local community. She is currently serving as Chair of Governors at a nearby Primary School, is an active member of the Raynes Park and West Barnes Residents’ Association, and a Friend of West Barnes Library and Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields - her local park.

Rebecca loves living in West Barnes because she is surrounded by so many great parks and green spaces, and she wants to help protect them. That’s why she has taken a leading role in ensuring local residents’ voices are heard on the plans to build on the old Motspur Park Gas Holders site. Like many residents, she does not feel that the local Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament has done enough to stand up for local residents against Kingston Council’s planning department on this issue.

West Barnes

John is West Barnes through and through and has lived here for more than 20 years. He cares passionately about the local area and has taken on leading roles in the Raynes Park and West Barnes Residents’ Association alongside his wife Clare. Previously serving as Treasurer for 12 years, John is now the co-editor of the RPWBRA’s popular community booklet The Guide, which is delivered to more than 2,000 homes, businesses, and community venues in the local area with the help of a fantastic network of volunteers.

John worked as teacher, specialising in maths, for 25 years, then became a School Finance Officer after retiring from full-time teaching. He knows his stuff and is good with numbers. He has been impressed with the financial management of Labour-run Merton Council which has continued to protect frontline services for older and vulnerable residents, secure value for money, and deliver more of what people in West Barnes want – all while freezing the main element of Council Tax.

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.