Ruth has been a councillor since 2002 and Leader of Sutton Council since 2012. She has chaired Sutton’s Health and Wellbeing Board since its formal establishment in 2012.
The six south west London boroughs have appointed Ruth as their lead on health and social care across the subregion. As Vice Chair of London Councils (the umbrella organisation representing all 32 London boroughs and the City of London) and a member of the London Health Board, she is well placed to liaise with colleagues across London.
Ruth is a strong advocate of partnership working and collaboration. She believes in stronger and more connected communities with more engaged citizens taking an active part in their local area and being able to make informed choices about their lives. Ruth works closely with many voluntary and community sector organisations and recognises the vital contribution they make in supporting local communities, ensuring their voices are heard and tackling health inequalities.