Victoria Borwick Biography
"2015 – 2017 MP for Kensington
Kensington is a diverse constituency of 75,000 residents. It is one of the most densely populated constituencies within London. I was elected as the MP in 2015 under David Cameron, and also served as an elected member of the Science and Technology Select Committee and as a member of nine All-Party Parliamentary groups. I formed good relationships with MPs across the political spectrum, losing my seat in 2017 by 20 votes!
Background:
20 years in business with a sub division of the P&O Group – Victoria was a Board Director of Clarion Events, based at Earls Court and Olympia,
Victoria was elected as a local Councillor in Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in May 2002 – March 2016 where she was on the Family and Children’s services committee and had the Community Liaison portfolio, liaising with local voluntary organisations and residents.
In 2018 Victoria was elected as a Member of the London Assembly in 2008 and served on the Transport Committee and the Police and Crime Committee.
In 2012, Victoria, as an elected member of the London Assembly, became the Deputy Mayor of London to Boris Johnson, helping to deliver the Mayor’s agenda and managing communications with a diverse audience, from foreign governments to the general public. Working proactively with community leaders, voluntary groups and partner organisations to maximise impact and results. During my time as Deputy Mayor, London hosted the Olympics (cost £12bn), so team and partnership working were crucial to our success.
The funding of London, with a budget of £17 billion, comes from Government and local taxation. There was vigorous debate on the allocation of expenditure in order to meet conflicting demands, so my relationship with key stakeholders was paramount. As the Deputy Mayor for London this was a key part of the role.
As a Member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, Victoria was the Chairman of the Civil Liberties Panel, and led the scrutiny of public order policing “Responding to G20”, and a review of the use of DNA in policing: “Protecting the innocent.” Within the MPA, she was also Vice Chairman of the Communities, Equalities and People Committee. She has also served on the Economics, Culture and Sport Committee, including working on the scrutiny of the security for the Olympic Games.
Whilst a member of the Greater London Assembly, Victoria produced a range of health-related reports: “The Invisible Costs of Mental Ill Health”; “Friendly London Report”; “In from the cold? Tackling fuel poverty in London”; and “Tackling childcare affordability in London”, and also worked with the Kings Fund on improving accessibility for older residents. Victoria represented the Mayor on the London Health Commission chaired by Lord Darzi.
As Chairman of the Health and Public Services committee at the GLA, Victoria worked in cross party groups on improving access to childcare, reducing fuel poverty, a review of the emergency services including detailed work on the London Ambulance Service and how to help children in care.
Current Roles:
In 2015 I was elected President of the British Antique Dealers Association. This was in recognition of my long-term commitment to the heritage industry
As Vice President of the River Thames Society I am a champion of an important part of the UK’s landscape, including canals, lock keeper’s cottages, and our industrial heritage
2018 – Part time role with Thames Water - examining water usage and leakage, the implications of flooding, and the optimal management of our resources.
2017- Member of the Commission for London (cross-party group chaired by Lord Adonis examining the challenges for London), completed in March 2018
2017- Advisor to Heathrow Hub – alternative vision for Heathrow, short-term project
2012 GamesMaker for the London Olympics (Volunteer) I led a volunteering team
2010- Member of the Governing Body of the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust [Ongoing]
1999- Freeman of the City of London, Liveryman Worshipful Company of Clockmakers
1990- Governor of Golborne Children’s Centre/School, North Kensington, previously Chairman, this school is in a deprived area of North Kensington, underneath the Westway.
1985- Charity Trustee of Federated Foundation – supporting research and additional training for nurses in cardiac care
1989- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts."