I grew up near Kingston and was state-school educated, before living in Tooting for the past 17 years. In 2006 I started a business in the Legal Tech sector, located in Earlsfield, and through its growth have created over a hundred jobs. 

Locally, I'm a Governor of Oak Lodge School for the Deaf in Balham, as well as a volunteer at the Shaw Trust charity in Wandsworth, mentoring the long-term unemployed back into work. As part of my commitment to the community, I'm also the founder of the Tooting Voluntary Force, where local volunteers come together to give their time to support local charities and environmental projects.

My wife Tamara is a social worker, and both of us love the diversity and energy that make Tooting a special place to live. I recognise that its shops, restaurants and community pubs are a key part of its success, and know that these businesses need support if they are to prosper.

In 2014 Harry Watkins arrived at St George's Hospital, after a lengthy delay and four amazing midwives, who we shall never forget. Harry is growing up just like his Dad - loving life! And in early 2017, we were delighted when Florence Watkins joined the family.

I'm a keen cyclist and often to be found on my bike on our local roads. As a member of the RSPB and the World Wide Fund for Nature, I believe in the conservation of our green spaces - locally, nationally and overseas.

I stood to be MP for Tooting at the 2015 General Election, where I narrowly lost. I also stood in the 2016 Tooting By-election and I continue to be an active campaigner and volunteer for our community.

If you would like to get involved with any of my projects to improve our area - political or non-political - please get in touch (dan@danwatkins.org.uk).