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Culture Footprint: Lorna Campbell - Councillor

Welcome to Culture Footprint, featuring one of the people of God making a difference in the world today, aiming to be an inspiring presence and telling the story of Christ in the culture.


Lorna CampbellLorna Campbell has been a councillor in Lambeth since 2006 with the current added responsibility of Cabinet Member for Health and Care Services. Her background is in communications and customer services. 

Lorna got involved with politics in the late 90s when she became sabbatical Student Union President for Lambeth College. She was involved in the development of Black Londoners Forum, served on the council of London Civic Forum and has also been Chair of Governors for a Lambeth Primary school.


As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to teach English.

How did you get involved in local politics?

Through campaigning on issues relating to students and then the voluntary sector.

Who has been the biggest influence in your work?

Fellow councillors.

Which movie character do you most relate to?

I'm not one for make believe but sometimes I do feel like superwoman.

What makes you most angry?

People making a mountain out of a mole hill.

What are the best and worst things about working in local politics?

Best thing - finding solutions to residents' problems.
Worst thing - bureaucracy (nothing is straightforward).

Who would you put in a celebrity Big Brother house?

Sorry, don't do reality TV.

What Christian story or biblical text motivates you in your work?

Luke Chapter 6 in its entirety.

What one piece of advice would you give someone starting in political engagement?

Get the full story.

Martin Luther King Jr had a dream for society. What is yours?

That all citizens will not only know and embrace their rights but will also embrace their responsibilities.

What is the main hindrance to living the dream?

Citizenship/democratic studies not being on the curriculum AND COMPULSORY.

What are the best and worst things about being a local councillor?

Best thing - meeting lots of people and no two days being the same.
Worse thing - having to tell someone you can't help.

I didn't get where I am today without...

Being prepared to be open minded enough to try new things and hunger for knowledge.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Books

What is your most "green" credential?

I think the only thing I really do is recycling.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

My children. They all have courage and determination in their quest to succeed despite any obstacles.

What would 'shalom' in politics look like 10 years from now?

More Christians engaged and policies that put people first.


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Culture Footprint Archive
A full list of all Culture Footprint editions