My London

Neeraj Patil is a medical consultant in A&E and a Labour councillor who has represented the Larkhall ward in Lambeth since 2006.

Q. What motivated you to enter local politics?
A. My family has a long record of public service. I achieved one of my dreams when I became a consultant in A&E and public service was next on my list. I still feel that any politician worth his or her salt needs to properly understand local government and community activism.

Q. How long have you lived in London?
A. I have lived and worked in London since 1994. Initially I spent four years living in north east London, then I moved to south east London and to Lambeth in 2005.

Q. What's the best thing about living in London?
A. Experiencing and celebrating the diversity and multiculturalism that exists in this wonderful historic city. London is the most diverse place on earth.

Q. What's the worst?
A. Expensive housing and stringent parking rules.

Q. If you could change one thing about the capital, what would it be?
A. I'd build more social housing for the working class of London by acquiring brownfield sites. I have worked as a doctor since 1996 and it took me 10 years to get on the housing ladder. It will be even more difficult for people to buy their first home in the future and some may never be able to afford a home despite contributing to the economic success of this rich city. We don't want London to be beyond the reach of middle and working class people. So if I could wave a magic wand, I would transform housing overnight by building more affordable homes and ending the disgrace of empty properties across our city.

Q. What are the top three issues people bring to your surgery?
A. Housing, planning and crime and anti-social behaviour.

Q. Will the 2012 Olympics bring long-term benefits to London?
A. Yes. It will bring greater economic benefits to the east, but I still very much welcome the idea because there will undoubtedly be some benefit to the whole city as long as we work hard to ensure an enduring legacy. I am very proud of Ken Livingstone and Tony Blair's role in winning the Olympics for London.

Q. What's your favourite building in London?
A. The Palace of Westminster. The gothic architecture along the River Thames is simply wonderful.

Q. Name one London building you think should be demolished?
A. Battersea Power Station. It's been standing empty for decades. I think we should forgo its listed status and fill the whole site with affordable, green housing. I would like to see the land bought under compulsory purchase so as to make a massive statement about building affordable and social housing for the working class of our city.

Q. Describe yourself in three words
A. Energetic, confident and caring.

Q. What historical figure do you most admire (and why)?
A. Aneurin Bevan- the founder of the NHS. He fought against so many odds to build this great organisation that symbolises social justice and equality. He was a statesman who really cared for the poor and weaker sections of our society and a true champion of 'social justice'.

Q. What was the last film you saw/book you read?
A. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey.