Andre Henry
I firmly believe that my dedication, experience, and commitment make me the right person for the job of representing the people. My background and expertise have equipped me with valuable insights into the challenges faced by communities similar to those I aim to serve, and my passion for social justice and equality drives me to make a meaningful impact wherever I go.
Through my work in education and community initiatives, I have gained a deep understanding of the issues that affect individuals and families in towns like the one I seek to represent. I have witnessed first-hand the consequences of austerity, inequality, and the lack of opportunities, and I am determined to address these concerns head-on.
My involvement with the Labour Party and experience as a Chair of my branch and the CLP demonstrate my commitment to fighting for social and economic justice. I have actively worked to support and uplift marginalized communities and have championed the rights of those who are underrepresented.
Additionally, my background has provided me with unique perspectives and insights into the challenges faced by ethnic minority communities. I am passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion within the Labour Party and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
My passion, dedication, and understanding of the issues that affect its residents make me a strong advocate for the community. I am committed to listening to the concerns of residents, collaborating with local organisations, and working tirelessly to bring about positive change.
Together, let us embrace the idea that representation knows no boundaries and that individuals from different backgrounds can make a significant impact on the lives of others. With your support, I am confident that I can be an effective representative, fighting for the interests of the people and working towards a brighter and more equitable future for all.
MY EXPERIENCE
16 Years
Secondary School Teacher
7 Years
Chair of Larkswood and Valley Branch for Chingford and Woodford Green
11 Years
Living in Waltham Forest
3 Years
School Staff Governor
9 Years
Labour Party Membership
2 Years
CLP Chair of Chingford in Woodford Green
MY PRIORITIES
PUBLIC SERVICES: PEOPLE NOT PROFIT
I firmly believe in the importance of public services that prioritise the well-being of people over profit. Communities across our region deserve access to high-quality public services that cater to their needs. Together, we can ensure that vital investments are made to strengthen and expand these services in our community.
We deserve robust public services that are adequately funded, enabling us to reverse the detrimental effects of years of cuts. Our local heroes, including NHS workers, teachers, carers, police officers, firefighters, and council workers, deserve our unwavering support. I am committed to standing with them and advocating for their needs to ensure they can perform their jobs effectively without the looming threat of privatisation.
As your representative, I will champion the interests of our community and work tirelessly to secure long-term, sustainable funding for our public services. By doing so, we can create a society where our residents receive the care, education, and support they deserve. Together, we will build a community where public services serve the interests of the people, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
I firmly believe that every individual should have equal opportunities to create a fulfilling and successful life. Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of our community, and it is essential that we prioritise investment in early years education.
Unfortunately, previous government decisions, including cuts to programs like Sure Start, have negatively impacted our education system. Many schools face oversubscription and a lack of necessary investments. This situation is simply unacceptable, and it undermines the potential of our children.
I am committed to ensuring that every child has the chance to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential, regardless of their background. Just as I was fortunate to benefit from investment in education under a Labour government, I will fight to secure increased funding and resources for our schools. By doing so, we can create an environment where every child has an equal chance to succeed.
As your representative, I will be a strong advocate for the best life chances for all. I will work tirelessly to address the underfunding of our schools and prioritise initiatives that support early years education. Together, we can build a community where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and realise their aspirations.
Let us create a brighter future by investing in education, empowering our children, and ensuring that no one is left behind. By championing equal opportunities and supporting the potential of every individual, we can build a stronger and more prosperous community for all.
FAIRER FUNDING
As a passionate member of the Labour Party, I am committed to advocating for the people and challenging the policies of the Conservative Party. Our community has been deeply affected by the ongoing cuts since 2010, which have had detrimental consequences. The Conservative government’s prioritisation of austerity measures has resulted in the erosion of essential services and support networks that our residents rely on.
I strongly believe that we deserve a representative who will fight tirelessly against the Conservative Party’s detrimental policies and work towards securing the funding and investment necessary for our community’s well-being. While the current Conservative representative may not have prioritised our needs, I am dedicated to being a strong and unwavering voice for our residents.
Together, we will demand our fair share of resources, challenge the harmful effects of austerity, and champion policies that prioritise the growth and prosperity of our local economy. I will actively engage with residents, listen to their concerns, and ensure their voices are heard at every level of decision-making.
By rallying together as Labour Party members and supporters, we can bring about the change we desperately need. Let us stand united against the damaging policies and work towards building a fairer and more inclusive community, where the interests and well-being of our residents come first.
TACKLING CHILD POVERTY
According to the latest Department for Work and Pensions figures, it is deeply concerning that 3,452 children were living in relative poverty in the year ending April 2022. This translates to approximately 17.1% of children in our area being part of families whose income fell below 60% of the average household income, and who were eligible to claim child benefit and at least one other household benefit.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for action to address child poverty. As your local Labour MP, I will make it a top priority to tackle this issue head-on. It is unacceptable that so many children in our community are growing up in poverty due to political decisions made by the Tory government.
I am committed to working with local schools, community groups, councils, and businesses to develop comprehensive strategies that will help alleviate child poverty. Additionally, I will advocate for policies such as auto-enrolment for free school meals and the expansion of eligibility for free school meals, ensuring that no child goes hungry or lacks access to proper nutrition.
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families. By standing up against Tory policies and championing a fairer society, we can work towards a future where no child experiences the hardships of poverty.
Tackling the climate emergency is an urgent and paramount challenge that requires our immediate attention. Like many other communities, we need to take decisive action to protect our precious planet. One important step in the right direction is investing in our green spaces and implementing initiatives such as the installation of solar panels on public buildings.
However, we cannot stop there. The Labour Party must lead by example and ensure that every policy we introduce aligns with our commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. It is not enough to merely speak about our intentions; we must take tangible and effective action.
Our responsibility is to leave this planet in a better state than we found it for the sake of future generations. This requires more than empty rhetoric; it demands concrete and proactive measures. As your local Labour representative, I am dedicated to championing policies that prioritise the environment and work towards a carbon-neutral future.
By investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging community engagement, we can make a significant impact in the fight against climate change. Let us join forces and take the necessary steps to protect our precious planet and ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
CARE & COMPASSION IN OUR POLITICS
We must reject the outdated notion, perpetuated by previous governments, that there is ‘no such thing as society’. The policies of the Tory government, such as the ‘hostile environment’ and the Windrush scandal, along with their callous and uncaring anti-refugee Rwanda policy, have tarnished our country’s proud tradition of humanitarianism. We need representatives who prioritise care and compassion in our politics.
You deserve a Labour MP and a Labour government that is dedicated to saving lives through safe passage, rather than a Tory government that seeks to punish refugees for the sake of headlines and to divert attention from its own failings.
As your local Labour MP, I am committed to upholding the values of care and compassion in politics. I will advocate for policies that prioritise the dignity and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers. Together, we can create a society that welcomes and supports those in need, instead of perpetuating a hostile environment that causes harm.
It is time to build a future where care and compassion guide our political decisions. Let us stand together, rejecting the divisive and callous policies of the Tory government, and working towards a more inclusive and humane society for all.
PROTECTING OUR WILDLIFE
Protecting our wildlife is of utmost importance, and it is essential that we stand firm against any threats to their well-being. The Conservative Party’s proposals to bring back fox hunting and their pursuit of the ineffective badger cull are deeply concerning for the welfare of our wildlife.
As your representative, I will be a staunch advocate for animal welfare and work tirelessly to end the badger cull. Additionally, I will actively campaign for a ban on all trail hunting practices. It is crucial that we prioritise the protection and conservation of our wildlife, ensuring their safety and well-being for generations to come.
I wholeheartedly support Labour’s commitment to appoint an independent Animal Welfare Commissioner. This appointment will play a pivotal role in ensuring that animal welfare standards are always considered when introducing legislation and in shaping Britain’s participation in international bodies, trade deals, and obligations.
Together, we can make a difference in protecting and preserving our wildlife. Let us rally against the regressive proposals of the Tories and advocate for robust animal welfare measures. By working together, we can create a future where the well-being and conservation of our wildlife are paramount, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for all.
STANDING UP FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS & TRADE UNIONS
I am committed to standing up for the rights of workers and supporting trade unions. It is crucial to strongly oppose any Tory attacks on the right to take industrial action and the weakening of workplace rights. We should not have to regard the days of decent pensions and stronger rights as a bygone era; they can and should be part of our future if we are willing to organise and fight for them.
Working in collaboration with our trade unions is not just a promise but a reality for me. I recognise the vital role that trade unions play in safeguarding workers’ rights, ensuring fair treatment, and advocating for improved working conditions. I am dedicated to actively supporting and working with trade unions to create a fairer and more equitable working environment.
Together, we can push back against regressive policies and fight for the rights of every worker. Let us organise, mobilise, and strive for a future where decent pensions, strong workplace rights, and fair treatment are not a thing of the past but a reality for all.
EQUALITY FOR ALL
Promoting equality for all is a fundamental principle that we must uphold. As an individual who has personally experienced discrimination throughout my life as a black man, I deeply understand the significance of solidarity and the importance of standing together to combat inequality.
I am committed to working tirelessly to improve the representation of women, BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic), and LGBTQ+ individuals within the Labour Party and in elected offices. It is imperative that our political institutions reflect the diversity and lived experiences of our community, and I will actively advocate for increased representation and inclusivity.
I take immense pride in our party’s historic achievements, such as the introduction of the Equal Pay Act, Equality Act, and the abolition of Section 28. These milestones have helped shape a more inclusive and equitable society. As your representative, I will vehemently oppose any attempts to roll back the progress we have made on equal rights and will fight tirelessly to protect and advance the principles of equality for all.
Together, we can foster a society that celebrates diversity, champions inclusivity, and ensures equal opportunities for everyone. Let us join forces to build a future where discrimination and prejudice have no place, and where every individual, regardless of their background or identity, can thrive and reach their full potential.
SOCIALISM ACROSS BORDERS
I strongly believe that fostering international cooperation is essential for promoting peace, creating prosperity, advancing workers’ rights, and addressing urgent global challenges such as climate change and tax avoidance. This commitment to collaboration extends to our relationship with our European neighbours.
I will proudly champion the principles of internationalism, recognising that we are part of a global family. By forging ever closer links with our European partners, we can work together towards social justice, climate justice, peace, and equality. Together, we are part of a worldwide movement striving for a better future.
I understand that our shared aspirations and the solutions to our collective challenges do not stop at national borders. By embracing the values of solidarity and cooperation, we can shape policies that transcend boundaries and improve the lives of people both locally and around the world.
Let us come together as a community, promoting internationalism and joining the global movement for positive change. By working in harmony with our European neighbours and embracing our shared goals, we can build a future rooted in social justice, climate justice, peace, and equality.
