London Elections: Siobhan Benita reflects on ‘fantastic journey’

Anna Dubuis
Saturday, May 5, 2012
1:13 AM

From relative obscurity, Siobhan Benita rose to become one of the more prominent voices of this mayoral election.

On a budget of just £5,000, independent candidate Mrs Benita managed to compete neck and neck with Jenny Jones and Brian Paddick until the final count when she came in fifth.

“For an unknown independent to become this close is a massive result for me so I am absolutely delighted,” she said in her speech afterwards,

“I want to say thank you to everyone.”

While many of the other candidates stayed hidden until the results were declared, Mrs Benita was seen throughout the day.

She remained hopeful for her future and that of independent candidates.

“It does show the time is right for new types of public leaders to come forward,” she said.

“We have achieved this with no party behind me, very little funding - just lots of passion and a really good range of policies

“On that I would also like to see some of the policies I have put forward which have resonated with the public - youth issues, education, growth - ensuring all of those are taken forward.

“Personally for me this has been a fantastic journey. I couldn’t have done it without my team. Thank you to them and a big thank you to everyone in London who put their faith in me and voted for me.

She added: “I am hugely thankful to my family - my parents, two beautiful daughters and very supportive husband.”