AVA / Avrupa Times Newspaper – City of London, New City Hall (Greater London Authority) – Alessandro Georgiou, London Assembly member for the UK Conservative Party, spoke exclusively with our editor Vatan Öz. Georgiou’s political advisor, Alara Ayyıldız, has been selected by her party as the Council Candidate for the Cockfosters area. Ayyıldız is running for Enfield Cockfosters Council in the local elections on 7 May 2026, leveraging her advisory experience to address local issues and represent the community effectively.
The interview with Alessandro Georgiou will continue regularly with all parties until the general elections in May 2026, airing live every Wednesday. The first episode aired in December and January. “United Kingdom with Vatan Öz” can be watched on Kanal Avrupa at 20:00 Turkey time, 18:00 Germany time, and 17:00 UK time via the Türksat satellite and online platforms. Replays will be available on YouTube, all digital platforms, and social media.
Summary of Alessandro Georgiou’s Policies:
- Environment & Planning: Firm stance against the development of Enfield’s green belt and high-rise buildings that disrupt local neighbourhood character.
- Transport: Advocates for residents’ rights against the Mayor’s ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) expansions and controversial Low Traffic neighbourhood(LTN) projects.
- Safety: Campaigns to increase police presence and tackle crime in Enfield and surrounding areas through pressure on the Metropolitan Police Service.
Q&A: London Politics with Alessandro Georgiou
Vatan Öz: Hello. We’re here in London, a big city with big politics. We are at the Greater London Authority’s City Hall, joined by Conservative London Assembly member Alessandro Georgiou. We’ll discuss your political journey and policies. Welcome. This is the new City Hall building, right?
Alessandro Georgiou: Thank you. Yes, the new building.
Vatan Öz: We’re entering a new era. First, let’s start with your personal political background. How did you step into politics?
Alessandro Georgiou: My political career in London started through roles in local government. I was elected as a councillor in Enfield Council in 2014, and last year I was elected to the London Assembly. I was born, raised, and educated in Enfield — “Born and Bred Enfield.”
Vatan Öz: You’re a London Assembly member. How do you view your party’s new vision and policies for families in London?
Alessandro Georgiou: Education is a top priority for me. We focus heavily on schools, youth, and the future of the education system in London. We also hold the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, accountable to ensure he works in the best interest of Londoners. London faces serious issues. We focus on real problems that directly affect city life. I do not endorse the actions of Mayor Khan and his deputy. In Enfield, crime rates are rising, and there are major challenges in transport, housing, and accommodation. I live in Enfield myself.
Vatan Öz: Let’s get to your most notable projects. What are they?
Alessandro Georgiou: Environmental policies and green transformation are vital for London. We work toward a sustainable city. Crime rates in London are rising, and we question Sadiq Khan about this. Crime is London’s number one issue. Khan and his administration have made London a city where residents no longer feel safe.
Vatan Öz: Are there tangible examples of success at the local level, like in Enfield?
Alessandro Georgiou: Freedom, democracy, and strong institutions are London’s core values. Progress is being made here. For example, free transport for seniors (Freedom Pass) is a success story. But rising crime remains a key agenda item. Policies from Boris Johnson’s era, metropolitan governance, and security are still debated today. Personally, I do not feel safe in Enfield or London. Crime is the number one issue in London. How the Metropolitan Police will respond is a major concern.
Vatan Öz: We’re joined by political figures shaping UK politics. Alex, let’s continue. What does it mean to be part of the Conservative group in the Assembly?
Alessandro Georgiou: Our main responsibility is to scrutinize Sadiq Khan. We are from different parties — Khan represents Labour, we are Conservatives — so it’s important to see how we handle ideological differences. As discussed, our approach to crime differs significantly. Our goal is to ensure Londoners benefit from the services we offer. We also oversee the implementation of Metropolitan Police policies. I’d like to discuss an alternative vision for the Mayor, if you allow.
Vatan Öz: How does your party provide an alternative vision compared to a left-leaning Mayor?
Alessandro Georgiou: We do this in meetings with the Mayor. As Conservative councillors, we have an alternative budget. We don’t approve the Mayor’s budget; instead, we propose what we would do in his place. Hopefully, one day we’ll have a new Mayor to implement some of these ideas — that would be excellent. The election is near!
Vatan Öz: Thank you.
About Alessandro Georgiou
Alessandro Georgiou is a senior Conservative politician, born and raised in Enfield, North London, serving at local and regional levels:
London Assembly Member: Since May 2024
Leader of the Conservative Group, Enfield Council: Since 2022
Councillor, Cockfosters: Since 2018
Education: LLB, University of Hertfordshire He began his political career early, first elected as a councillor in 2014.
About Alara Ayyıldız
Master’s Degree: International Political Economy, King’s College London (First Class)
Undergraduate: Nottingham University, 2015–2019
She applies her academic expertise as Alessandro Georgiou’s political advisor, developing local government strategies and assisting his 2026 local election campaign.
TV Program Details The interview airs live every Wednesday on “United Kingdom with Vatan Öz”:
UK: 17:00
Germany: 18:00
Turkey: 20:00 Available via Türksat satellite and online platforms.
Interview Background
Mayor of London (Sadiq Khan): As of February 2026, Khan is in his third term as Mayor, responsible for transport, policing, housing, and environmental policies. Focuses include “24-hour city” initiatives, sustainability, and economic growth.
UK Local Elections – 7 May 2026:
- Nationwide local and devolved parliamentary elections
- About 4,348 council seats contested
- All 32 London boroughs will elect all council members
- 32 metropolitan boroughs also holding elections; 16 electing all members
- Six directly elected mayors
- Some elections postponed to May 2027 (e.g., East Sussex, Norfolk)
Key Voter Dates:
- Voter registration deadline: 20 April 2026
- Postal vote applications: 21 April 2026, 17:00
- Proxy vote applications: 28 April 2026, 17:00
- Election Day: 7 May 2026 (07:00 – 22:00)