The energy this weekend for the Wandsworth Labour campaign launch was fantastic. A brilliant turnout of local people showed the incredible spirit and determination we have to take the fight to the Tories and secure a better future for our community. It is always inspiring to see so many neighbours and friends ready to stand up for the values we share.

Our campaign is built on a proven record of delivery. The Wandsworth Labour council has proudly kept council tax the lowest in the country, a vital support for families struggling through a cost-of-living crisis. This is what Labour in power looks like: competence, compassion, and a focus on putting residents first.

The annual Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA) interfaith peace ceremony is always a powerful moment for our community. This week, it was an honour to join so many local people to reflect on the importance of unity and understanding. Here in Tooting, our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and events like this showcase the incredible spirit that brings us all together.

Our community is defined by its deep-rooted tolerance and mutual respect. Now more than ever, it is vital that we continue this tradition, listen to one another, and build bridges between different faiths and cultures. 

By continuing to work together, we can ensure that understanding triumphs over discord and build a more peaceful future for everyone.

Today, I was proud to visit Fircroft School and meet local students. They asked some really insightful questions on how Parliament functions, my route to becoming a doctor and shared their ideas on how to make our fantastic community even better!

This summer, I am offering young people in the local area a chance to shadow my team and I for a week in Parliament and my local office!

If you, or anyone you know, live in the local area and are aged between 18 and 25 with an interest in politics, please fill out an application form here.

Although there has been improvements to mail deliveries in Tooting, far too many people are still experiencing delays to their post. I met with posties and senior Royal Mail figures today to raise my concerns and find a solution that works for everyone.

Royal Mail have agreed to make a concerted effort to reduce delays and ensure six-day service. I will be meeting with them again in a month's time to discuss what progress has been made.

​Today marks 9 years since I was first elected as MP for Tooting. It has always been an immense honour to represent the community in which I was born and raised. Thank you to everyone who puts their faith in me to represent our area.

​May the spirit of Eid al-Adha bring love, compassion, and endless blessings to your life. Wishing a joyful and peaceful Eid to all observing in Tooting and around the world.

Data from National Rail and the Rail Delivery Group has revealed a shocking rise in the number of late trains at Balham, Earlsfield, Tooting and Wandsworth Common stations.

Trains in the morning evening peaks, to and from Central London, have all seen a worsening of their "on-time percentage" in the last six months compared to the same period of 2023. The full breakdown of delays at each station is below.

It is shocking to see that, not only are trains late at some stations late half the time, but that there has been a steady decline from an already-unacceptable level of lateness last year. Particularly concerning are the figures at Tooting station, where over half of services were late despite there being only two services per hour on that line.

Some of the worst performing services include:
8:05 from Balham (8:07 from Wandsworth Common) to Victoria - 88% late (Southern)
18:12 from Waterloo to Earlsfield - 81% late (South Western)
8:21 from Balham to Victoria - 79% late (Southern)
8:40 from Balham (8:42 from Wandsworth Common) to Victoria - 76% late (Southern)
8:13 from Tooting to London Blackfriars - 70% late (Thameslink)

Local commuters deserve better than the shoddy service they are currently receiving from Southern, South Western and Thameslink. I look forward to the Government's plans to bring our local rail services back into public control, so that our trains are always run with the interests of the people who use them at heart.

Eight years ago today, I was selected as the Tooting Labour candidate for the by-election caused by Sadiq becoming a candidate for Mayor of London. 

It has been a huge honour and privilege to serve as the representative for the community in which I was born and raised. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey.