The constituency that I represent on the London Assembly, Ealing and Hillingdon, is London in microcosm. Stretching from the borders of Buckinghamshire to the edge of Shepherds Bush and from Hertfordshire to Surrey, it incorporates six parliamentary constituencies and two complete London boroughs.

The total population is about 550,000 people and comprises a glorious array of languages, creeds, colours and backgrounds. From the seriously wealthy to some of the most deprived areas in the capital, west London has it all and the challenges that they represent.

Heathrow airport is wholly within the constituency as are the headquarters of many of the most important companies in the country, all with their national and international connections.

The issues that we face are those associated with deprivation and urban renewal: housing and employment; transport; health and education within a poly-cultural society and the challenges of law and order.

Our economy is subject to the rigors of the market place, but because of relatively high employment and rapidly expanding and growing companies we often face the issue of an over heating economy and the impact that has on wages and salaries and the inability of small, local companies to compete for people and office space.

It is my firm belief that Ealing and Hillingdon is the best constituency within the London Assembly and I am extremely proud to be its elected representative.