Camden Council Camden Square by-election: the candidates

Danny Beales resigned his Camden Square seat after winning the Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat in the general election on July 4.

He narrowly lost a by-election in July 2023 following the resignation of former MP Boris Johnson.

Voters will now elect a candidate to replace him at a by-election on September 5.

We asked the six candidates to tell us why you should vote for them, giving their top three priorities for Camden Square.

Here they are, in alphabetical order: 

Esmeralda Akpoke - Local Conservatives 

Esmeralda Akpoke, Local Conservatives candidate for Camden Square (Image: Holborn & St Pancras Conservatives)

A positive attitude does not mean ignoring life's troubles; it just means being an optimist and looking for good things. 

I enjoy interacting with people and have been described as a good listener, which I believe is a prerequisite to being approachable and representing people.

I moved to London from north west England many years ago and settled in Camden Town.

I had not previously experienced the diversity of people in Camden Square, and I have found no problem integrating into this diverse society. 

I treat every member of the community in the same way regardless of their own diverse outlooks on life.

I am a natural smiler, which elicits positive responses from so many people.In Camden Square alone, many of the rough sleepers and homeless do call me 'my friend' whenever they see me, and I am happy to have established that connection with them.

If elected:

I hope to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping within my community and tackle antisocial behaviour.

I will continually work and persuade the government to build more affordable homes and liaise with house owners to secure quality, affordable homes in the ward.

I will organise outreach services, peer monitoring programmes, the best community-based services for the homeless and lead social media campaigns to raise awareness of homelessness.

Preserve Camden Square's multicultural identity and encourage women's education.

Develop strategies for tenant participation, community cohesion and preserve Camden square green areas.

Advocate for recycling and general waste collection, which has been impacted by staff shortages.
 

James Dicker - Green Party

James Dicker is the Green Party candidate for Camden Square (Image: Green Party)

After moving to London for my studies, I fell in love with Camden’s vibrant streets, stunning architecture, and incredible community. 

Now, I’m committed to giving back to this borough that has become my home.

If elected, I will fight for stronger protections for renters and leaseholders, improve our green spaces and play areas, and make our streets safer by tackling crime and air pollution. 

A Green vote can push the Labour-led council to be more ambitious and accountable in its actions.

My three priorities are: 

Reducing traffic and pollution for a safer, healthier community 

If elected, I will prioritise measures to cut down through traffic, reduce harmful air pollution, and tackle road safety issues that endanger us all. 
Everyone deserves the right to a safe and healthy life, free from the risks of pollution and traffic accidents. 

Championing ambitious improvements for Camden Square

With another Green councillor on Camden Council, we can challenge the Labour-led administration to be bolder and more visionary in its plans for Camden Square. 

I will advocate to protect our cherished green spaces and enhance children's play areas to create a more vibrant, welcoming community. 

Protecting renters and cutting energy bills

I will fight for initiatives to lower energy bills for local renters by improving home insulation. With the forecasted increase in heating bills expected over this winter, it's more important than ever to act on rising energy costs and protect our most vulnerable.
 

Ali Farah - Independent

Ali had not sent information at the time of publication.

Tricia Leman - Labour Party

Tricia Leman is the Labour Party candidate for Camden Square (Image: Labour Party)

I have lived in Camden for over 35 years and raised my family in the borough.
 
As a former teacher and an experienced school governor, my working life and volunteering have been dedicated to ensuring our children and young people get the best start in life.

I’m a trustee with Harington, a scheme supporting young people with additional learning needs, helping them develop the skills they need for work.

If elected, I will dedicate myself to ensuring our young people have the opportunities they need to develop their full potential and supporting residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

I’ll always be a strong voice for Camden Square ward and put people first, working with community groups and local businesses to make our community a fairer, greener, safer place to live.
 

Alexander Matthews - Liberal Democrats

Alex Matthews is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Camden Square (Image: Richard Theemling)

Alex Matthews is a proud Camden resident with a deep commitment to his community.

As a renewable energy technology conference producer, he brings a passion for sustainability and innovation, focusing on community energy and green transport initiatives that benefit Camden.

A dedicated musician, Alex is also a strong advocate for supporting the local live music economy and promoting grassroots music education and performance.

When he's not working, you’ll often find Alex walking his dog on Hampstead Heath, or training for his next marathon or ultramarathon by running the borough’s hills.

He enjoys unwinding at his favourite local pubs, the Magdala and the Southampton Arms, and listening to music at the Roundhouse.

If elected, Alex is determined to work towards a cleaner, safer, and culturally rich Camden,  prioritising quality of life for all residents, celebrating the borough's diversity, and driving community-led projects that help make Camden a better place.

Jasper Warwick - Independent

Jasper had not sent information at the time of going to print.

By-elections will be held for the Camden Square, Kentish Town South and Kilburn Wards on September 5, 2024.

Voters will need to show photo ID when voting in person.

The deadline to register to vote was August 19. The deadline for postal vote applications was August 20. The deadline for proxy vote applications and voter authority certificates was August 28.

Applications to vote by emergency proxy must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Electoral Services, Camden Town Hall, Judd Hall, London WC1H 9JE by 5pm on September 5.