Dear neighbours and supporters,
With the Barnsbury ward and Laycock ward elections taking place on Thursday 7th May, we want to share a clear, factual overview of where each party stands in relation to the proposed Barnsbury & Laycock Liveable Neighbourhood scheme, and what the different voting options may mean for its future.
You will have three votes and can choose from 13 candidates in Barnsbury and 16 candidates in Laycock.
Green Party
Barnsbury Candidates: Lucas Boix, Amelia Bottomley, Sara Mulatu
Laycock Candidates: Joy Hinson, Rasan Naji, Joseph Walker
Green Manifesto
- Their manifesto prioritises making streets safer, with cleaner air, and suitable for disabled people, children, pedestrians and cyclists and reducing pollution from cars.
- They also favour reallocation of road space to walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport and stepping up enforcement of 20mph and low-traffic filters.
- Campaign materials suggest frustration with delays to the Barnsbury and Laycock scheme and they have raised concerns about whether it might be abandoned.
- They have criticised the current administration for the lack of progress after several years of consultation and spending.
What this could mean
A vote for the Green Party is likely to support renewed momentum for a traffic-reduction scheme, though details on delivery are not clearly set out.
Labour
Barnsbury Candidates: Rowena Champion, Jilani Chowdhury, Kane Emerson
Laycock Candidates: Maia Hamilton, Heather Staff, Nurullah Turan
Labour Manifesto
- Their manifesto includes a commitment to “work with residents to create Liveable Neighbourhoods”.
- This includes measures such asReducing traffic and tackling air pollutionIncreasing greenery, planting, and climate resilienceImproving walking, cycling, and accessibility
- They also emphasise broader improvements to public spaces, cycling infrastructure, and community involvement.
What this could mean
A vote for Labour is likely to support continued development of Liveable Neighbourhood-style schemes, though details and timing are unclear.
Liberal Democrats
Barnsbury Candidates: Jeremy Hargreaves, Michael Champness, Erwann Le Lannou
Laycock Candidates: Sakina Chenot, Matthew Dendy, Patricia Peel
Liberal Democrats Election Pledges
- No new manifesto for 2026; they refer back to their 2022 platform.
- Their position then was to:
- Support exemptions within LTNs for certain groups (e.g. carers, vulnerable residents)
- Oppose new LTNs unless approved by Citizens’ Assemblies
- Promote more structured local decision-making before schemes go ahead
What this could mean
Some of the exemptions they proposed in 2022 have already been implemented. A vote for the Liberal Democrats may lead to a more conditional or consultative approach on future developments.
Conservative Party
Barnsbury Candidates: Christopher McCann, Oliver Teller, Zak Vora
Laycock Candidates: Andrew Harrison, Margaret Joseph, Simon Toms
(We could find no published Conservative Manifesto.)
- Their stated policy is to “scrap all LTNs”.
- This is described as a central campaign commitment.
What this could mean
A vote for the Conservatives would likely oppose the continuation of the Barnsbury & Laycock Liveable Neighbourhood scheme entirely and would seek to remove / diminish schemes in other Islington wards.
Reform
Barnsbury Candidate: Francis O’Brien
Laycock Candidate: Cheryl Rands
(We could find no published Reform Manifesto.)
What this could mean
While local detail is limited, Reform Islington is unlikely to break with Reform's opposition to LTNs in general.
Independent
Laycock candidates: Ilkay Cinko-Oner, John Doherty, Andrew Parry.
Cinko-Oner and Doherty’s positions are unknown. Parry has said he will support, "Promoting a safer and more sustainable future with more renewable energy and safer streets."
What this could mean
Details unknown / unclear. Best to do your own research on independent candidates.
In Summary
The election presents a range of possible directions for the future of the Barnsbury & Laycock scheme:
- Continue or revive a traffic-reduction scheme: Labour, Greens
- Reassess or require further approval before proceeding: Liberal Democrats
- Oppose or remove LTNs entirely: Conservatives, likely Reform
We hope this helps you make an informed decision. As always, we encourage everyone to review available information, engage with candidates where possible, and most importantly, use your vote.
Best wishes,
Barnsbury & Laycock Community Streets
