Redbridge Council’s Conservative group leader Councillor Paul Canal shares what he loves and loathes about the borough

What is your connection with the borough?

I have lived or worked in Redbridge for over 30 years.

I ran a business in Ilford Chambers in 1988 and we moved to our house in Wanstead 11 years ago.

What’s the best thing about working or living in the borough?

The trees, open spaces and sports and recreation grounds, which must be protected and preserved.

It really is a green suburban paradise and we must resist Labour’s attempts to turn into a mini Dubai or Chicago.

What one thing would you change?

I would extend Transport for London’s London Underground Zone 3 to Woodford and Hainault.

Use three words to describe the borough.

Right now it would be dirtier, deeper in debt and in crisis.

At its best it would be have been safe, clean and green.

Who is the most inspiring person you know?

Amanda Jennings, a local headteacher whose inspirational leadership, hard work and commitment has transformed Ray Lodge into an Ofsted “outstanding” primary school, and changed the life prospects of hundreds of children.

What new law would you introduce if you were prime minister?

I would make all foreign cars and vans register in England so that they could be held to account for parking and traffic offences, and pay their share of road tax.

If you were the editor of this paper, what issues in the borough would you focus on?

The borough’s finances, which are in freefall, the abject failure of the tri borough policing plan, and public dissatisfaction with unswept streets.