Thames View has a new representative on Barking and Dagenham Council. Lucy
Lee, elected in the 31 July by-election, is stepping into her role as Labour councillor with a mix of humility, determination, and a strong focus on community-led change. Winning 36.1% of the vote, Lucy will work alongside fellow councillor Sabbir Zamee to represent the ward’s diverse and growing population.
For Lucy, the decision to stand wasn’t a long-held ambition but rather the result of local encouragement. “I hadn’t thought about becoming a councillor until a resident suggested it,” she explained during our interview. “At first, I was taken aback, even uncomfortable with the title. But the more I reflected, the
more I realised that if we want better decisions, we need people who listen and understand our community at the table.”
Tackling local priorities
Lucy has set out three key priorities for her first year in office:
Improving healthcare access:
Thames View residents often struggle to secure GP appointments that fit around working hours. To address this, Lucy is working with Dr. John to launch early-morning commuter clinics and continue the pop-up health services supported
by Barking Riverside Limited.
Restoring community pride:
Fly-tipping and area cleanliness remain persistent concerns. With public toilets closed, misuse of bin areas has worsened the problem. Lucy plans to organise community strengthening days and foster a sense of collective responsibility. “It’s about rebuilding pride in where we live,” she said. “When neighbours come together, you create stronger, safer streets.”
Supporting voluntary groups and young people:
Accessing funding can be daunting, especially for those whose first language isn’t English. Lucy wants to facilitate training and practical support to local voluntary groups and encourage young residents to get more involved in civic life.
Listening first
One of Lucy’s greatest strengths comes from her background as a community worker. She understands that formal council meetings can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t feel confident speaking up in large meetings. That’s why she
plans to hold one-to-one conversations and smaller discussion groups to ensure all voices are heard, not just the loudest.
“People in Thames View have been through a lot,” Lucy said. “Some feel disheartened after years of not being listened to. My job is to change that by working with residents, not talking at them. I don’t have all the answers, but I promise to listen and act appropriately to create positive change in our ward.”
Staying connected
Residents will soon have sever-
al opportunities to meet Lucy in person. A ward meeting is being planned for October, with roundtable discussions to set community priorities and develop practical solutions. She’ll also begin hosting monthly councillor surgeries at the Sue Bramley Community Centre, ensuring constituents can easily raise issues and ideas.
Lucy hopes her election inspiresothers, particularly young people, to consider getting involved in shaping Thames View’s future. “This is our community,” she said. “If we want it to thrive, we all need to play a part, like they say, it takes a village.”
Lucy would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to vote in the recent by-election saying; “Whether or not you voted for me, your voice and your participation truly matter. It was inspiring to see our community come together and engage in the democratic process. I’m deeply grateful for the support, the conversations, and the chance to be part of something bigger than any one person. Thank you for showing up – for me, for each other, and for our shared future.”
By Venilia Amorim, local resident and REB member
