Haringey man to run for Mayor

Published in Haringey Independent Tuesday 11th September 2007 on Tue 11th Sep 2007

A Haringey councillor hopes to battle it out against the likes of Boris Johnson after making the shortlist to find the Liberal Democrat's London mayoral candidate.

Fiyaz Mughal, 36, of Wood Green, is one of three potential candidates whose names will be in a ballot next month.

Other party members will vote for their choice, with the winner going on to face political heavyweights Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone in May 2008.

With the challenges posed by the Henley MP and incumbent London mayor - strong favourites for the election - Mr Mughal knows it will be a tough fight but seems confident of his chances.

He said: "Other parties have got their candidates in place already, but we have a solid base of support in London and that's something we can build on.

"We may influence the result in the long run."

Mr Mughal combines his council work with a full-time job as the Chief Executive of Enfield Citizens' Advice Bureau, as well as running conflict resolution programmes between Israelis and Palestinians in Israel.

He said: "I decided to stand primarily because of the experience I have through 13 years in the voluntary sector, in social policy and eight years involvement in the Lib Dem party. I've been a councillor twice, so I bring with me a weight of political experience.

"I am quite busy, but I think it all comes together quite well, my work in the community, internationally and with social policy."

Mr Mughal intends to fight for greater transparency in the Mayor's office and the devolution of planning powers to local level.

He said: "I think the two issues that concern residents the most are street cleaning and planning because they directly affect the area around them.

"And we should have direct community involvement in the processes of power, so people can see what is being done and that it's being done in the right way."

On Monday, online bookies Paddy Power offered odds of 8/13 on early favourite Ken Livingstone, with Boris Johnson at 11/8.

While the odds clearly favour these two, Mr Mughal will hope to come in above rank outsider Jade Goody, at 500/1.