Liberal Democrats Announce Croydon Councillor Claire Bonham as their Parliamentary Candidate for Streatham & Croydon North

Claire Bonham has been selected to represent the Liberal Democrats as the Party’s parliamentary candidate for Streatham and Croydon North.

Claire has lived in the constituency for more than 10 years. As a councillor for the Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood ward on Croydon Council, Claire works hard representing her community and knows the issues that affect local people. Claire is also chief executive of Sculpt, a youth-led charity that works with young Londoners to support them in shaping their own futures as they transition to adulthood.

Claire has a PhD in International Relations and more than 20 years’ experience working in the voluntary sector – championing children, the elderly, and survivors of crime, homelessness, and poverty.

Claire is also a trustee of Croydon Community Against Trafficking. In her spare time, she enjoys singing with the Royal Choral Society and loves making the most of London’s parks and green spaces.

Upon her selection, Claire said: 

“I am delighted to have been selected to stand for election for the Liberal Democrats in Streatham and Croydon North. As a local councillor I am already proud to represent the community I call home. I am committed to working hard for residents and enabling them to have a say in issues that affect them in our local area.

I believe that many local residents have been let down by both Lambeth and Croydon councils, and I will be someone who will stand up for their rights to have decent housing, clean air to breathe, green spaces to enjoy, the opportunity to explore and use their creative talents, and to feel safe as they live, work, go to school and enjoy everything that this amazing constituency has to offer.”

Peter Ladanyi, Chair of the Croydon Liberal Democrats said:

“I am thrilled that Claire has been selected as our candidate for the new constituency of Streatham & Croydon North.

Local people have been let down by this hostile and out of touch Conservative Government, and complacent local Labour administrations in both Croydon and Lambeth.

As a Liberal Democrat councillor in Croydon, and in her work across the voluntary sector, Claire has proven that she’s someone who will get things done.”

Sarah Lewis, Chair of the Lambeth Liberal Democrats, said:

“Across Lambeth and Croydon, the Liberal Democrats have shown that we are the clear challengers to Labour.

At last May’s local elections, the Lib Dems gained councillors in Streatham to become the official opposition group on Lambeth Council, while Claire was elected to Croydon Council with a 14% swing from Labour.

At the last Westminster election, we polled a strong second place and, when the next general election comes around, I am delighted that Claire will give our community the chance to elect a truly liberal voice and hard-working MP.”