Council election 2014: Campaigning lawyer standing in Highgate for Labour

Lawyer Oliver Lewis will stand as a prospective Labour councillor for the first time having been inspired by campaigns to save a local library and community centre.

The 44-year-old, of Chetwynd Road, Dartmouth Park, feels the time is right to contest an election as a candidate in Highgate ward, having been a member of the Labour Party for 25 years.

He says his involvement in campaigns to save Highgate Library and Highgate Newtown Community Centre have had a galvanising effect on his politics.

“I’ve been involved in these things over the last few years and I’ve realised this is a way to make a difference in my area,” said the father-of-three.

“Getting involved in my community was something I really wanted to do. It’s taking it to the next level.”

Mr Lewis, who grew up in Merseyside and moved to Camden nine years ago, is chair of governors at Brookfield Primary School, in Chester Road, Highgate, where two of his children are pupils.

He said ensuring people “get equal access to education” would be one of his priorities should he be elected as a councillor.

As a legal aid lawyer, Mr Lewis said another key factor in his decision to stand was his opposition to the government’s cuts to legal aid.

“It’s a real sustained assault on people’s right to gain access to justice,” he said. “I think it’s absolutely terrible what this government’s done.

“I would be an advocate for the people of Highgate. I would be an advocate for the people who don’t always have a voice.”