Member

Simply put, Southend East and Rochford will need to regain its cultural capital. This is something I have some experience in, having been one of the creative pioneers of east London’s creative industries. My wife Debbie and my children are here in the Gallery today, and they have always been there for me—certainly during my career pivot from the creative industries into politics. I thank them for their unwavering support and complete belief in me. I believe it is my duty to help shape and create the future jobs and businesses for this generation and future generations to grow into, just like Adebayo Alaba and Atinuke Awesu did, my late parents, who sacrificed everything as part of the Windrush generation to leave their families and communities behind in Nigeria in order to raise a family here, in one of the most welcoming countries in the world.