In the run up to the General Election on May 6, the Enfield Independent is featuring profiles on the candidates vying for your votes. Today we feature David McLean, independent parliamentary candidate for Edmonton.

CREATING a monthly forum for local people to debate is the central pledge from an independent parliamentary candidate for Edmonton.

David McLean, a 26-year-old learning support officer who lives with his partner in Edmonton, is standing as an independent in the forthcoming general election.

Mr McLean was born in Zambia but moved to Scotland when he was three years old, before coming to live with his family in Edmonton at the age of 11.

He said: "I want to build an Edmonton assembly because I think it is very important. I will hold a meeting at least once a month, if not more, and I will let the people know what is going on in Parliament.

"I think the reason why people are disillusioned and why young people have no respect for authority, particularly politicians, is because there is a gap between public opinion and national policy.

"I am going to give the people of Edmonton the opportunity to discuss those issues and take the consensus view to Parliament. I don't think the voice of Edmonton has been heard for a long time so I am offering the people an opportunity to be on the razor’s edge of decision making."

Mr McLean studied politics and international relations at the University of Essex, and serves as a governor for Alma Primary School and the Gladys Aylward School, both in Enfield.

His other policies include reducing inequality, promoting better social cohesion in the area by supporting voluntary organisations, and regenerating the local economy.

Mr McLean said: "I would raise the profile of all the local organisations in the community. I think we could get more business and investment coming our way.

"I want to raise the prestige of public service because that is what is going to see us through the next few years."

He added: "I believe in personal and public responsibility and I want to demonstrate to young people what they can achieve by using their brains.

"I am trying to tell young people that politics is important. That is where you get things done."