Katie Mansfield

Katie Mansfield is the official Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Hampstead and Highgate.

From Cork to London

I grew up between Ireland, the UK, Italy and Germany, moving wherever my father's academic career took us. Those experiences gave me a strong European identity and a lifelong interest in different cultures and communities, and is the reason for my deep affection for the European Union. We eventually settled in Cork, where I studied psychology and maths at university,

I moved to London in my twenties, seeking diversity and energy. I've lived across the city, from Highbury and Vauxhall to Queen's Park, before moving to Twickenham with my family when we needed more space and couldn’t afford to stay centrally.

London has been home for most of my adult life. I love everything about it: afternoons on the Heath, walks in Richmond Park, discovering tiny independent theatres and ending up in the pub with friends putting the world to rights.

A mum of three

Like many parents, I've spent years juggling work, school runs, forgotten PE kits and family life.

Today, one of the biggest challenges facing young people is the cost of housing. My eldest daughter has moved back home because she can't afford a place of her own. As a mum, that breaks my heart. As a politician, it strengthens my determination to tackle the housing crisis and make London a place where families can put down roots and young people can build independent lives.

Never on the sidelines

I've never been someone who watches from the sidelines.

After the genocide in Rwanda, I felt I had to do something so volunteered in Kigali with Irish aid agency GOAL, working with teams supporting refugees in Goma and Bukavu. I also helped monitor Tanzania's 2000 general election with a United Nations team.

Those experiences taught me the importance of resilience, practical action and standing up for what matters.

I've since built a successful career in travel, tourism and property, reaching Chief Marketing Officer level while raising three children. My work has always been about understanding people, solving problems and turning ideas into results.

Delivering change as a local councillor

After marching against both the Iraq War and Brexit, I decided I needed to become active in politics.

I've been a Liberal Democrat councillor in Richmond since 2018 and currently serve as lead member for communities, equalities and the voluntary sector.

I've campaigned against Thames Water's damaging TDRA scheme, pushed for improvements to road safety and worked to support residents, community organisations and local businesses. 

Bringing together my experience in both business and local government, I've helped shape the Liberal Democrat policy on High Streets.

What I've learnt is that good representation starts with listening. It means asking difficult questions, challenging decisions when necessary and sticking with an issue, even if it is hard, until something changes.

Fighting for Hampstead and Highgate

I'm passionate about creating communities where people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive.

That means tackling the housing crisis, supporting independent businesses, investing in vibrant high streets and ensuring development delivers the infrastructure local communities need. It also means standing up against violence against women and girls and creating safer communities for everyone.

I'd bring energy, determination and real-world experience to Parliament, always focused on one thing: standing up for the people of Hampstead and Highgate.