More than 270 residents from across Ealing gathered in Southall on Tuesday (28 April 2026) evening for an Ealing Citizens Assembly, where the leaders of Ealing Labour, Ealing Liberal Democrats and Ealing Conservatives joined local community groups and committed to act on key local priorities including housing, jobs and pay.
The event, held at St Anselm’s Church ahead of the council elections taking place on 7 May 2026, brought together schools, faith groups and community organisations representing more than 15,000 people across the borough. Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Labour, Councillor Gary Malcolm, leader of Ealing Liberal Democrats, and Councillor Julian Gallant, leader of Ealing Conservatives, responded by committing to proposals shaped by residents following 18 months of listening and research.
Labour has controlled Ealing Council since 2010 and currently holds 56 of the council’s 70 seats. The Liberal Democrats have eight, the Conservatives four, while two councillors are independents.
Residents spoke about the impact of temporary accommodation, insecure work and poor housing conditions.
Iryna, a parent at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School currently living in temporary accommodation, said: “My son sleeps in a damp room and is often unwell. We do not feel safe or healthy in this home. I am not asking for luxury—only a safe, stable, healthy home for my children.”
Speakers called for an eventual end to the use of temporary accommodation, alongside immediate safeguards such as access to cooking facilities, laundry, Wi-Fi and secure storage, as well as placing children close to their schools.
Renters also described damp, mould and unsafe living conditions, prompting calls for tougher council enforcement against rogue landlords, including expanding selective licensing across Ealing and improving energy efficiency through measures such as a Warm Homes Plan.
Concerns about low pay and insecure work were also raised, with campaigners noting that nearly a quarter of jobs in Ealing are paid below the real Living Wage. Proposals included a “Living Hours” plan to tackle insecure work and an Ealing Community Jobs Compact to improve access to employment, apprenticeships and training.
Ninoshka Botelho, co-chair of the assembly and a parishioner at St Anselm’s Church, said: “As a young person involved both in my church and Ealing Citizens, I have seen what potential there is in our community and how young people are held back due to lack of opportunities. Youth unemployment is rising. When we come together we can change that.”
Lorraine Softleigh-Moore, from Christ the Saviour Church, said: “The turnout at this powerful action was impressive, which played no small part in securing positive responses to all of the asks made. The testimonies from members were heartfelt and sometimes heartbreaking.”
Gary Buckley, chief executive of Action West London, said it was “refreshing” to see cross-party agreement, adding that he hoped to work with whoever forms the next administration “to make our asks a reality”.
 evening for an Ealing Citizens Assembly, where the leaders of Ealing Labour, Ealing Liberal Democrats and Ealing Conservatives joined local community groups and committed to act on key priorities including housing, jobs and pay locally.){kind=link}