An NHS worker and a mother expecting her second child, Labour’s London Assembly candidate, Ivana Bartoletti, wants to send a message of “trust and hope”.

“I don’t want anyone to be left behind,” she said.

The Italian born campaigner is determined to win the Havering and Redbridge seat in next year’s election.

She said: “London is moving east and I want to put Havering and Redbridge in the bigger picture.”

Ivana explained change can be difficult to accept and she wants to send a message of trust and hope.

“This is about how we make sure people in the area can get something out of this change,” she added.

Her top priorities are building infrastructure and transport links, ensuring everyone has a home, tackling crime through effective policing and promoting new professional skills.

She told the Recorder she embraced developments such as Crossrail and the London Riverside regeneration plan in Rainham and wants to see these bring new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities to the borough.

Ivana would like to see a similar surge for high streets.

“The issue of high street is something I am very passionate about. When I go to Romford town centre, I do feel the community deserves more independent shops.”

As a mother, Ivana wants to connect with young families moving into the area and continue to fight for better social care and support for the elderly.

“I want to be a strong voice for welcoming these new families in the area who feel isolated. I want to make sure grandparents in Hornchurch are able to see their grandchildren buy a house here.

“My message is one of aspiration, a collective aspiration for the whole of the community.”

Ivana’s campaign launch was attended by more than 150 people, including Labour candidate for London Mayor, Sadiq Khan.

She said: “The story of Sadiq is the story of London at its best and I am very keen to work with him.”

You can meet Ivana on Sunday at 11am, at Rowans Coffee House, in Barkingside.

Read an interview of Conservative candidate Keith Prince in next week’s Recorder.