#BackBenita #LoveLondonBetter

45 Messages

  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
June 18, 2020 at 5:13 PM

Community Champions and #PrideInside

Dear John I hope you are well and getting the opportunity to safely take advantage of some of the lockdown relaxations. There are two online events coming up that I wanted to invite you along to: Community Champions Hall of FameSaturday, June 20th from 10 - 11.30 am I’ll …
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
May 28, 2020 at 5:08 PM

Will you help children get to school next week?

NationBuilder Dear John Last week, I wrote to you about the bad deal for Londoners that the Mayor of London and Government struck to bailout TfL. This week I’m asking for your help, in particular, to urgently reverse the unfair suspension of free travel for under 18s in London.…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
May 21, 2020 at 5:42 PM

The Secret Sauce To Happiness

NationBuilder Dear John Readers of this newsletter may remember how I put kindness at the heart of my Mayoral campaign launch back in February. Well, this week is Mental Health Awareness Week and I’m delighted that the theme for this year is ‘kindness’. We’ve seen during this p…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
May 7, 2020 at 5:00 PM

I’m still running for Mayor but politics needs to change

NationBuilder Dear John Today, Londoners should have been going to the polls to elect the next Mayor of London. Instead, we are all staying home to save lives and the London elections have been postponed until next year.     As we start, cautiously, to consider lockdown easing,…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
May 4, 2020 at 5:00 PM

Staying safe in London

Dear John Post-Lockdown Transport Safety Package On Friday night, I spoke to Eddie Nestor on BBC Radio London about five ideas the Lib Dems are putting forward to ensure Londoners’ safety as we ease out of Lockdown. It includes shifting towards more active travel and plan…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
April 28, 2020 at 12:29 PM

Call with Ed Davey Tonight

Dear John Calling with Kindness with Ed Davey Join me on Zoom tonight for a joint-session of Calling With Kindness, where we reach out to people across London to see if they are doing OK during lockdown. We’ll meet at 6pm for a quick briefing, make some calls for an hour …
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
April 23, 2020 at 5:15 PM

They deserve so much more

NationBuilder Dear John In this unprecedented global pandemic, it’s right that we listen to experts and offer constructive ideas to our Government as we get through this period together.  But it’s also right - vital even -  that we hold Ministers to account for their slow progr…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
April 21, 2020 at 5:37 PM

Come Call, Quiz or Fast with me.

Dear John Calling With Kindness Our trial of ‘Calling With Kindness’ together last week went well, so we’re doing it again next Tuesday 28th April. Meet up on Zoom for a quick chat at 6pm, we’ll make some calls for an hour or so and then have a debrief together at around …
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
April 16, 2020 at 5:00 PM

A beacon of hope in dark times

NationBuilder Dear John If you haven’t heard about Captain Tom Moore already, then you’re in for a heartwarming treat. Captain Tom is approaching his 100th birthday and wanted to do something special. He set out to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by completing 100 laps …
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
April 14, 2020 at 5:00 PM

Let’s Call Together!

Dear John I hope you found ways to enjoy the four-day weekend even in these tough times.  I enjoyed hosting a special Easter version of our weekly Sunday Night quiz. We have over 60 households taking part every week and everyone is welcome -  why not join us at the usual …
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
April 9, 2020 at 4:58 PM

This is why we stay at home

NationBuilder Dear John The four-day Easter weekend looks set to be a sunny one. In normal times, many of us would be excited by the prospect of spending time with family or friends, maybe heading out for a meal or firing up the BBQ.  But sadly these are not normal times. Since…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
April 2, 2020 at 6:00 PM

Stand Up for Supermarket Superheroes

NationBuilder Dear John I don’t know about you, but last week’s Clap For Carers made me very emotional. I wasn’t sure how many people would participate, but seeing so many come together to express their gratitude for our NHS staff at this most stressful time was incredibly movi…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
April 1, 2020 at 5:31 PM

Kind Calls and a Virtual Pub Quiz

Dear John Thank you to everyone who signed up to “Calling with Kindness” last week. In our short registration survey, the majority of you said you’d like to take part in some online training before you start calling. We’re hosting the first training session on Zoom at 1pm…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
March 27, 2020 at 4:40 PM

Sign Up to Calling With Kindness

Dear John Thank you to everyone who joined the Zoom call last week. Dozens of you made it and it was really great to hear such enthusiasm for helping our communities during Coronavirus. On the back of that discussion and warm response we are now proceeding to roll out our…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
March 26, 2020 at 6:00 PM

Learning To Lockdown

NationBuilder Dear John Earlier this week, our country was put into lockdown. The seriousness of this action is matched only by the importance of what it’s for - saving thousands of lives. I know that the vast majority of Londoners are doing their bit and following the guidelin…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
March 20, 2020 at 2:52 PM

Keeping close as we move apart

NationBuilder Dear John I hope you and your loved ones are doing ok in these extraordinary times?    As the pandemic continues, what is being required of us is changing daily.  As we take collective action to look after our nation’s physical health, it is also important that we…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
March 19, 2020 at 9:17 PM

Let’s chat about how we can help

Sorry if you received this email twice. The original email had last week's subject line in error! -- Dear John I hope you and your loved ones are doing ok in what are extraordinary times. During this difficult period, one very heartening thing has been the number of coron…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
March 19, 2020 at 6:00 PM

Weekend Campaigning Postponed

Dear John I hope you and your loved ones are doing ok in what are extraordinary times. During this difficult period, one very heartening thing has been the number of coronavirus community groups springing up across the country. We always knew that kindness was contagious …
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
March 13, 2020 at 4:57 PM

Weekend Campaigning Postponed

Dear John Following the Government's announcement that the Local and Mayoral Elections will be delayed, the planned campaign events for this weekend have been postponed. The team will be closely examining the Governments advice and will take the time to reflect before upd…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
March 13, 2020 at 2:26 PM

Kindness during Coronavirus

NationBuilder Dear John As we move from the ‘Contain' to 'Delay' phase in the management of the Coronavirus, Londoners are understandably concerned about what to do and what happens next. My strong view is that we should listen to the official advice, place trust in the experts…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
March 5, 2020 at 6:01 PM

Why I quit the civil service

NationBuilder Dear John In 2012, I quit a fifteen-year long career in the civil service. It is not a decision I took lightly. I grew up with a dedication to public service in my blood, having watched my Dad serve as a teacher and my mother as a nurse. I quit because I had becom…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
March 3, 2020 at 6:55 PM

Knock, Knock

Dear John Who's there? Lots of potential Liberal Democrat voters!? It's that time in the campaign where door knocking has become crucial. If we want the final weeks of the campaign to be really effective, then we need to be out there from now. Here's how you can speak to …
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
February 27, 2020 at 6:13 PM

Excellent news for a Greener London

NationBuilder Dear John Today is a day to celebrate. The Court of Appeal has ruled against Heathrow's expansion on environmental grounds, stating that it does not match the UK’s commitments under the Paris Climate Change Agreement. This is a landmark case for environmental camp…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
February 26, 2020 at 2:41 PM

Join me for a drink?

Dear John Another busy week of campaigning on its way. But I want us to have fun along the way too - so make sure you join us for a social on Friday 6th March. Sign up here! Hustings (Saturday 29th February) 11.30am - 1pm: Support me at the National City Park Hustings at …
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
February 20, 2020 at 6:32 PM

My Kinder London

NationBuilder Dear John This time last week I was in the middle of my busiest day of the year so far. It started at 5am as I whizzed around London’s news studios on a media round. From there it was off to the restaurant where they film ‘First Dates’, to formally launch my campa…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
February 18, 2020 at 7:02 PM

Back to knocking doors

Dear John After a temporary break from campaigning due to the storm, it's time to get out there and start knocking doors again. Here's my schedule for the coming week: Wednesday (EVE): Meet 5.30pm outside Surbiton Station for canvassing with Team Surbiton. Saturday (AM): …
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
February 14, 2020 at 7:04 PM

Correction - here's the correct phone bank code

Dear John Sorry! Storm Dennis must have affected us more than we thought! If you are able to make some phone calls for the campaign while the storm blows over, here is the correct current code using the "Love London Better script" EFD663J-920528 If you've never made calls…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
February 14, 2020 at 5:40 PM

Change of plans

Dear John Storm Dennis has blown away our plans for the weekend! With heavy rain and wind predicted, we won't be going ahead with this weekend's town centre activities planned for Deptford and Peckham. But don't worry, you can still campaign by making calls through our Vi…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
February 11, 2020 at 6:34 PM

I need your help this Thursday

Dear John This Thursday, I’ll be formally launching my campaign to become Mayor of London. I’m really excited about the chance for Londoners to hear about my vision for the city. It’s a city that I love, but with so many things not working, it’s a city I know must be bett…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
February 6, 2020 at 6:01 PM

I’ve been taken for a ride

NationBuilder Dear John Well, at least two. This week I was focused on how we can get around London in a way that’s greener and kinder to our environment - and my journey led me to some interesting and fun discoveries. The first ride was with PedalMe and this was so much fun. T…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
February 4, 2020 at 6:30 PM

What do these random items have in common?

Dear John What do a Mr Henry vacuum cleaner, a washing up bowl and a credit card have in common? They’re all items we picked up at my River Thames plastic clean up on Sunday!  A big thank you to everyone who came out to help and to those of you campaigning across the cap…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
January 30, 2020 at 6:00 PM

How politics should be done

NationBuilder Dear John Last weekend I took my town centre tour from one end of London to the other, with street stalls in Harrow and Bromley. I really enjoy the sort of casual chat you can have with people while they’re out shopping. It’s relaxed, people share with me what the…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
January 28, 2020 at 7:19 PM

Will you clean up the Thames with me?

Dear John Last week, I wrote to you claiming that we can beat Labour in Brent- and we did! A huge congratulations to Councillor Anton Georgiou, just look at his stunning result: Alperton was firmly Labour territory, but our London campaigning force made all the differenc…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
January 23, 2020 at 5:37 PM

Secret tunnels and giant balloons

NationBuilder Dear John This week has been so much fun as I’ve been out and about in London filming a new video. My highlight was meeting Bermondsey stalwart Marjorie, who not only shared how London could be better - but how my leaflets could be better too! We’re making a video…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
January 21, 2020 at 6:00 PM

We can beat Labour - this week!

Dear John Thank you to everyone who’s been out delivering my launch leaflets at stations and streets across the capital. We really have got off to a flying start and have now upped our aspirations to hit a million leaflets! More on that from my Campaign Manager, Anood, so…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
January 16, 2020 at 6:01 PM

Good Plates, Bad Trains and Football Games

NationBuilder Dear John Happy New Year and good luck to everyone getting through some sort of January challenge. Whether it’s Run Every Day (RED), Dry January or just Don’t-spend-uary - keep going, you’re halfway through! My personal challenge is Veganuary and I’ve had plenty o…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
January 14, 2020 at 6:00 PM

My plan to become Mayor of London

Dear John After a welcome break over Christmas, it’s good to be back - energised and ready to fight our best ever London Mayoral campaign.  I want to share with you our plans for between now and 7 May. Last week, my team and I held a briefing for local party leaders acros…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
December 10, 2019 at 6:30 AM

Gold Squad: The Final Stretch

Hey John This is it. We're on to the final stretch. Here's where I'll be the next few days: Tuesday Elect Luciana Berger for Finchley & Golders Green Meet 1pm at 46 Market Place, NW11 6JP Contact: Jake Libson – 07748 636950 Elect Paul Kohler for Wimbledon Meet 6pm at …
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
December 4, 2019 at 11:10 AM

Have you booked this day off yet?

Hey John This is it. We’ve got eight days to stop a Tory majority and Stop Brexit.  As we enter the final week of the campaign, every conversation matters. This is the time where those undecideds become decided - and your one minute chat on the doorstep could be the diffe…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
November 27, 2019 at 6:00 PM

Have you booked this day off yet?

Hey John As we edge closer to polling day, I’ve never been in an election where doorstep conversations mean so much. Voters are more undecided than ever and those precious few minutes hearing our views directly really can make all the difference. I think polling day itsel…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
November 22, 2019 at 8:53 AM

Bumper Weekend for Gold Squad

Hey John After a short break for the Centre Point Sleep Out and the amazing manifesto launch, the Gold Squad is back this weekend with a bumper tour of our target seats! Here’s our schedule for the coming days: Friday: Meet 6pm at Canada Water Station (Humaira Ali, Berm…
  Siobhan Benita · [email protected]
November 15, 2019 at 2:22 PM

Gold Squad In Demand

Hey John What a week. I’m so happy with the response to the launch of the Gold Squad, as dozens of you joined me in campaigning right across the capital every day. The Gold Squad is all about making it easy and fun to get involved with the General Election in London. If y…
  Siobhan Benita (siobhanbenita domain) · [email protected]
October 30, 2019 at 6:20 PM

Join me in Parliament Square tomorrow night 🎃

Dear John Tomorrow night we were meant to leaving the European Union - "do or die". Thanks to your efforts, London remains proudly at the heart of Europe. And the fight isn't over yet. As we launch our general election campaign, we now need to elect the biggest Liberal De…
  Siobhan Benita (siobhanbenita domain) · [email protected]
October 16, 2019 at 9:55 AM

Phone bank with me next Tuesday

Dear John, Join me at Liberal Democrats HQ on Tuesday 22nd October from 6.30pm. I will be making phone calls across London in preparation for general and Mayoral elections. Our team of volunteers has had a great response so far and there will be extra beer and pizza next…
  Siobhan Benita (siobhanbenita domain) · [email protected]
July 9, 2019 at 5:46 AM

Thank you for signing up

Dear John, Thank you for signing up for email updates on Siobhan Benita's campaign to become the first female Mayor of London. You can also follow Siobhan's campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.If you've told us you will volunteer, we will be in touch soon. Or you can always…