Bayo Alaba

My History

I was born and raised in Forest Gate, east London, and still reside locally with my wife and three children.

I became the first black Labour councilor in The London Borough of Redbridge in Mays local elections and represent my home ward of Wanstead Park, with a portfolio of Licensing and Strategy & Resourcing committees.

For many years I have balanced a rewarding and fast paced business work life with various voluntary commitments to much self-satisfaction. I think the time is right to increase my interaction in public life and I feel I can do this best as a Member of Parliament advocating for and shaping a community. I have played an active part in local and social issues through membership in various societies, associations, and programs.  I’ve gained valuable experience through community regeneration, individual mentoring, community steering groups (East Potential, Shoreditch Fringe Festival & 2012 Olympic community ambassador), chairing local Trade Associations and as a soldier in The Army.  These associations have helped improve community cohesion, improve social mobility, and influence change and good practice.

I am a self-employed company director immersed in the creative community. As one of the pioneering forces in the East London night-time & creative economy, I understand and passionately believe in the power of community working in tandem with public services.

I am a Board Trustee for Phoenix Resource Centre, a sustainable charity with operations in the UK and abroad. 

Passionate about education and supporting young people I am a Trust Governor of a large all-through school in Waltham Forest and relish supporting the senior management team and the wider school community in its efforts at inspiring ambition. I have mentored young people for over 15 years through partnerships with various community groups and cannot see a day when I’ll stop doing so.

I see myself as a social mobility champion, advocate of organic regeneration and a believer in community. My ambassador work with the London 2012 games and social commitments embodies my belief in social cohesion, fairness, and representative democracy. 

As a former reservist Parachute Regiment soldier and marketing professional prior to setting up my own creative business, I bring a wealth of varied experience and perspectives into public office.