Last weeks elections saw a number of local councils holding by-elections for ward councillors, in London two new councillors elected are from the Turkish Speaking Community.
26-year-old Ayten Guzel, the new labour councillor for Southbury ward, Enfield. Former councillor for the ward, a spend over 30 years as an Enfield councillor Chris Bond passed away last July. Guzel thanked Southbury residents saying: “I will work hard to carry Cllr Chris Bond’s legacy ** May you rest in peace Chris”
Justin Halabi, 23-years-old and the new Conservative councillor for Hatch Lane ward in Waltham Forest. The former councillor for the ward for 26-years Geoff Walker passed away last March.
Halabi said: “To all of those who voted against overdevelopment, voted Conservative, and voted for Justin Halabi – I appreciate it more than I can describe. Together, we will make a difference in Chingford and Highams Park.”
The son of two Conservative Waltham Forest councillors Ilkay Isa and Halil Nick Halebi Halabi, who famously has had the Prime Minister round for Turkish coffee, Halabi is no stranger to politics.