Gemma Townsend

Gemma Townsend is the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Lewisham Deptford.

Gemma rew up in Wapping in the East London. Since graduating from the University of Manchester where she studied Sociology, she has lived all over London including Deptford and Crofton Park where she was a candidate in the 2006 local elections. Gemma was selected to stand for Parliament in Lewisham Deptford in December 2008.

Gemma works in the Mayor's Office at the GLA managing policing and crime policy for Deputy Mayor for Policing. She has previously worked in a number of social policy and research roles for Southwark Council, Ofsted and Populus.

Over the years Gemma has been proud to have had an impact on policies to improve standards in education, youth crime, housing, health and social care and has learnt a great deal from a wide range of practitioners in the field. Gemma sits on the Management Board of Abbey Manor College in Lee Green, Lewisham and has held a number of voluntary positions over the years, including working for her local local youth offending team, with young offenders.

Gemma is particularly concerned by the levels of violent crime in Lewisham. She will also be campaigning on regeneration, transport and education. Having worked in local government, Gemma is adamant that local authorities could be more resourceful and provide significantly better services, she will ensure her campaign holds Lewisham Council to account.

Gemma said:

"As a local resident it's easy to see the things that need to change and that's why I've been working really hard for over a year now to make sure I win this election.

"Conservatives came second in Lewisham, in the Mayoral elections in 2008. It's my job to make sure we come in first place and help David Cameron to win in Parliament.

"But this is about me, it Gordon vs Cameron. Residents tell me that Gordon Brown hasn't done anything for them, but they're still not sure who to vote for. Make no mistake voting Lib Dem or Green is a vote for Labour. Conservatives need 117 new seats in parliament, just to have a majority of 1. That means winning back seats like this one."