A Bermudian has been selected as the Labour Party candidate for the West Thamesmead by-election in London.

Jahdia Spencer, 26, a swimming teacher who works in the Department of Culture at Southwark Council, will run in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London constituency on December 19 and is calling on her fellow Bermudians in the England to support her.

She said there will be sessions with councillors and MPs from around London in the coming weeks.

Ms Spencer addressed the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool last year. She spoke on the subject of women and pensions at the party’s National Annual Women’s Conference and addressed Labour’s national conference with a submission on technology and artificial intelligence in the workforce.

Ms Spencer told The Royal Gazette: “I am honoured to be the Labour Party candidate for the West Thamesmead by-election.

“The Labour Party has been incredibly welcoming and supportive throughout this journey. Attending the Labour Party and London conferences, and speaking with so many inspiring people, reinforced my desire to become a councillor and give back to my community.”

Ms Spencer has a master’s degree in strategic communications from King’s College London and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, politics and economics with applied qualitative analysis at Essex University in England.

She was a Bermuda Society Junior Member and a two-times delegate at the Labour Party Conference.

She was also the Free Democratic Movement’s Youth Democratic leader, and remains a member of the party.

Ms Spencer’s political campaign in the by-election includes plans to combat crime and antisocial behaviour, tackle fly-tipping and fight for better housing and renters’ rights.

She added: “My key priorities for West Thamesmead include building on the outstanding work of councillor Lade Olugbemi in addressing environmental issues such as fly-tipping and potholes, advocating for better housing and renters’ rights and campaigning for improved transport links to better connect our community.

“I am especially passionate about engaging with young people — not only to understand the challenges they face but also to empower them to participate more actively in politics and their communities.

“As a Greenwich resident, I love this borough and am committed to working with local residents of West Thamesmead to make it a cleaner, safer and better place to live.

“Giving back to the community I’m part of has always been a guiding principle in my life.

“This is a powerful example of Labour’s commitment to reaching out to diverse communities and ensuring no voice is overlooked. Labour reflects the values and vision we all share.

“I would like to thank Abena Oppong-Asare and our local MP of Erith and Thamesmead for her invaluable support.”

Ms Spencer is a winner of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute National Young Reporters for the Environment competition in the age 19-to-25 category. Her essay focused on how social media influencers drive sunscreen overuse that damages coral reefs.

She has volunteered as a candy striper at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and was a Brownie troop volunteer for the Girl Guides in London.

Ms Spencer invited supporters to help with her campaign over the next three weeks.

“Together, we can make a difference,” she said.

• Anyone interested in getting involved can e-mail Jahdia Spencer on spencerjahdia@gmail.com