Maria Gatland has lived and worked in South Croydon for more than 30 years. During that time she helped run the family business and cared for her husband during his long illness. Maria has worked hard to help and support residents in her ward since 2002. During that time, she has held the post of Shadow Cabinet Member for Education and then Cabinet Member for Childrens Services in 2006 - kick-starting the improvements in education for young people in Croydon. She chaired the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee from 2009/2010. Quality of care for patients in hospital is a passionate interest.
Following her re-election in 2010 she was appointed as Chair of Licensing Committee, one of four major Council committees. Since 2014, she has served as Shadow Cabinet Member for Children Families and Learning. In 2003 she started the Friends of Croham Hurst Wood, and was delighted when this local group won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2014. The protection and care of Croydon’s green spaces is of huge importance to her, and in light of this Maria sat on the Planning Committee for many years.
Animal welfare is a passion and she currently shares her home with two lovely rescued animals a dog and a cat. Maria has worked very hard to support and help local people and was so grateful for the tremendous support and kindness of the local community during a very difficult time, in December 2008, when details of her past of almost 40 years ago became known.
Maria is delighted to have been re-selected to stand again as a candidate for the Local Elections in May 2022. She enjoys reading, theatre, walking, volunteering, yoga and pilates and relaxing with friends.
