A Labour councillor says she will oust from power a key ally of Boris Johnson because he never sees his constituents in Merton and Wandsworth.

Councillor Leonie Cooper, deputy leader of the Labour Group on Wandsworth Council, was officially nominated for the May 2012 London Assembly elections by party members on Monday, March 28.

For the second time, she will take on sitting Conservative London Assembly Member Richard Tracey after losing to him by 26,000 votes in the previous election in 2008.

Coun Cooper said: “I’m going to win by actually being in Merton and Wandsworth and standing up for what people want to see action on – affordable housing and the protection of the environment.

“Nobody knows Richard Tracey. I have only found one person who has attended an event where he attends in person.

“I’m also not planning on walking out of votes at City Hall, like Richard Tracey does. I mean, what’s he good for?”

The Labour councillor lives on the border between the two boroughs in Furzedown, Tooting, and is a lead spokeswoman on environment, culture and community safety issues.

Richard Tracey is a key member of the Conservative group at City Hall, having yesterday been elected as deputy leader, in addition to leading the group’s transport committee and serving as the Mayor’s ambassador for river transport.

Mr Tracey said: “I think I have now become very well known and accessible across Merton and Wandsworth, dealing with several hundred emails and letters every week.”

Who will you be voting for? Do you know what your London Assembly Member does? Leave a comment below or email: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.

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