Lewisham Labour select candidate for Catford south by-election

By Grainne Cuffe

A Catford resident and animal welfare worker has been selected as Lewisham Labour’s candidate for the Catford South by-election next May.  

The by-election follows Councillor Abdeslam Amrani stepping down in March due to personal and family commitments. 

Mr Royston is head of external affairs at World Animal Protection, an international animal welfare charity, and first moved to Lewisham in 2003 – he has lived in Catford since 2015.  

The 36-year-old said he was “honoured” to be selected.   

“I hope to secure the support of our local community too. I love our corner of London and want to do what I can for the benefit of Catford and Lewisham.  

“I’m really looking forward to meeting and speaking to local residents, and to getting out on the doorstep as soon as it’s safe to do so,” Mr Royston said.  

The mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, has backed the selection.  

“James is an incredible candidate and if elected I am sure will be a brilliant councillor for everyone in Catford South.  

“I would also like to thank the hard work of Cllr Eva Stamirowski who has been tireless in her commitment to her residents during Covid.  

“I am looking forward to the campaign and I think James make a great addition to our team in Catford South alongside Eva Stamirowski and Alan Smith,” he said.  

The by-election is set to take place on May 6, 2021.  

Labour is set to choose their candidate for Sydenham this week – Cllr Tom Copley stepped down earlier this year after becoming Deputy Mayor for Housing.