Introducing Cllr Elizabeth Park

Cllr Elizabeth Park was elected to the ward of Old Malden in May this year. CLD editor caught up with her recently to hear her story.

CLD: Please share a bit about your background, what brought you to the UK, studies, work or love?

EP: I came to the UK in 1996 to study. I studied Art Administration and cultural policy, MA at Goldsmiths University of London and worked in theatre production for a while. Afterwards, I set up JP production to make short news program clips which were broadcasted in Korea. During this period, I worked for a live radio program as a guest speaker and coordinated some Korean documentary programs when they were shot in the UK. I also worked as an independent interpreter for the Home office for almost 18 years. Since I had a child in 2002, I stopped working except at the Home Office. I went into further study again and completed my nursing degree in 2014. I have worked for the NHS ever since and am a qualified mental health nurse. I love reading books and travelling. I am also Roman catholic which has influenced many areas of my life.

CLD: When did you decide to join a political party and what drew you to the Liberal Democrats?

EP: I was actively involved in the 1980s Korean student movement and I have always been a part of political activism. I used to support the Labour party when I moved to the UK and switched to Liberal Democrats when the Labour Party allied with America against Afghanistan. In 2019, I joined the Liberal Democrats and actively participated in the party's activities. The Liberal Democrats has a strong ethic in supporting local people and minorities. That is the reason I joined the party. In particular, I am from a BAME background and I feel that I have been supported by the party.

CLD: How was your experience standing for public office and now as a councillor in Kingston? What were your motivations for going into politics?

EP: I always had a strong desire to provide help and return the care that I have received from society. Therefore, I decided to put my expertise and time in supporting local people to be able to create a safe and pleasant living environment for my family as well as for my neighbours. That is the main reason why I wanted to be a local councillor. At the same time, I want to influence policy-making for the poor and powerless people. I am still working at the NHS full time and as an Old Malden local councillor. It is not easy to carry on two jobs but I am trying to do my best.

CLD: How admirable that you are able to juggle all your responsibilities and still have time for council work. What do you think are the issues of concern to your constituents in Old Malden and in the borough of Kingston?

EP: In Old Malden, there are not many big issues. However there are some concerns about anti-social behaviour, road speed, ward environments such as grass cutting, graffiti and flying tipping. Regarding Kingston borough, many residents raised the issue about high council taxes compared to other boroughs. The Kingston council has not been subsidised by the central government which led the council heavily to rely on the council taxes to run the service.

CLD: What advice do you have for young people who are considering getting involved in politics?

EP: Politics affects everything around us. Therefore, If any young person is interested in politics, I would like to advise them to get involved in the UK youth Parliament and local organisations for campaigning.

Thank you Cllr Park! If anyone would like to get in touch with Elizabeth, you can email her at: