Siobhan Benita, who is she?

Siobhan is the modern, credible alternative to Boris and Ken. She is not a politician. She is a successful working mum who has resigned from her senior Whitehall job to run in the Mayor election. She believes that the Mayor of London should represent people, not political parties and she will ensure that all voices are heard. She is independent, honest and inclusive.

What's her background?

Siobhan is the daughter of an Anglo-Indian mum and Cornish dad. Her mum came to London as a young girl in 1959 and was welcomed by the local residents who gave her and her family much needed help and support. She worked as a home help and auxiliary nurse. Siobhans Cornish father moved to London after graduating from Loughborough University and was a local primary school teacher. Both her mum and dad were public servants and their devotion to helping others has been a big influence on her own life and beliefs. Siobhan embodies the very best of London - dynamic, tolerant and driven by compassion for others.Siobhan is a Londoner through and through. She was born and grew up in Merton and now lives with her husband and two daughters in New Malden, Kingston.

She understands the issues facing London because she has lived here all her life. She will represent the needs of residents in all of the 32 London boroughs and the City of London.

Siobhan joined the Civil Service in 1996 and worked at the very heart of Government for over 15 years. As a senior official at the Cabinet Office she led major projects across Government and has worked with ministers and officials at the very highest levels. Siobhan knows how political decisions get made and is experienced at working with a range of senior people - from across the public and private sectors - to get things done.

During her career Siobhan has devoted a lot of her time to improving diversity and, in particular, gender equality, in the workplace. She is passionate about improving opportunities for everyone and wants to use this campaign to speak for people and groups who don't usually get heard.