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I remember the time when this constituency was represented by the Conservative MP, Sir Hugh Rossi, and it was only back in 1992. A lot has changed since then, not least the political complexion of the area, but the economic wellbeing of the entire country.
Back in the 1990s I was living in Crouch End - Mayfield Road to be precise - and I have lived in and around the area my entire adult life. And for those of you who doubt or question my roots here - well ask my brother - he lives in Muswell Hill!
I know the area well and know many local people.
A graduate of Manchester University, I have been working in marketing communications for over 20 years. Today I am joint partner in one of the leading communications agencies for the IT sector working on behalf of some of the biggest names that have emerged out of Silicon Valley and the information technology sector over the past two decades.
My passion in life is history, not only my subject of choice at University, but one that I have a keen interest in today.
As some local residents (who I was at Uni with) have reminded me I was the first elected Conservative in 20 years while at University - that seems like a lifetime away now! Since that time I have actively engaged in local politics in North London, be it in Haringey, Barnet or Camden!
My experience of running a business in good times and in bad, has given me a unique insight into the challenges confronting the UK economy. And as a result I will focus my campaigning in Hornsey and Wood Green on the impact the recession is having on local businesses.
With over 84% of the local working population working in small businesses, I understand the pressures we are facing. The impact is already being felt in the constituency with shop closures and unemployment is rising faster in this part of London than anywhere else.
I am a well known Conservative campaigner here in North London, having fought many election battles over the years. As Campaign Director at the last general election and then subsequently Deputy Chairman Political of the Holborn St Pancras Conservative Association, I was part of the team that dramatically removed Labour from power in the Borough.
Labour run Haringey Council is officially the worst in London and one of the bottom four in the UK. The people of Hornsey and Wood Green have been hit by a double whammy - an inept council and a sub-prime government well past its sell-by date.
The current economic crisis is affecting everyone, from those now being made redundant to those with savings. On Crouch End Broadway and elsewhere in the constituency you can already see the closed shops and “For Let” signs springing up.
source: www.richardmerrin.com
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