Skip to content

Meet the Team

Cllr Simon Rush

Cllr Simon Rush

Position: Branch President
Email Address:

Bio:
I have been a private hire driver for 30 Year's, and many years standing as an activist in the trade as a rep and as a spokesperson when called upon. There is not much I don't know when it comes to rules and regulations with Londons sometimes difficult to navigate TFL Licening Authority. I am also a new East London Councillor in the borough I reside in.
Raja Naveed Ahmed

Raja Naveed Ahmed

Position: Political Officer
Email Address:

Bio:
Languages Spoken Urdu
Kola Olalekan

Kola Olalekan

Position: Uber Representative
Email Address:

Bio:
Kola Olalekan has worked in the security, event and property industry in a career spanning 17 years before starting to drive for private hire app operators since 2019 and has undertaken over 18,000 trips to date. I am presently the GMB London Region’s National Uber Representative. Language’s Spoken Yoruba.
Cllr Ella Garelick

Cllr Ella Garelick

Position: Women’s Officer
Email Address:

Bio:

Languages Spoken: Polish.


Khurram Gouhar

Khurram Gouhar

Position: Equalities Officer
Email Address:

Bio:
I worked in hotels for 13 years, different managerial roles till I resigned in 2019 and started working with Uber being self employed. I play amateur cricket under MCCL for Ealing Hanwell CC and hold positions like captain of 1st Xl and Club Secretary. I spend my free time with my family and friends visiting different places. Languages Spoken Urdu and Punjabi
Akil Hirji

Akil Hirji

Position: Race Officer
Email Address:

Bio:
Languages Spoken Kutchi & Gujarati with limited Swahili and French
Bill O’Loughlin

Bill O’Loughlin

Position: Addison Lee WPO
Email Address:

Bio:
I have been a private hire driver for the past 40 years most recently having worked for addison lee for past 15 years At present I am 65 and simi retired for the past year.
Peter O’Connell

Peter O’Connell

Position: Committee Member

Steve Garelick

Steve Garelick

Position: Regional Organiser
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 020 8202 8272

Bio:
I am London born aged 56, my wife Ella is Polish born and has lived in the UK for over 40 years 31 of those with me, we have two daughters. Initially GMB Union I held the role GMB Branch Secretary for Professional Drivers covering the London Region.  I am a full time officer with GMB union and my purview is Transportation, Logistics, Warehouse workers, Couriers and Gig economy workers and national lead for Taxi and Private Hire and Uber. I have been involved in the Employment Rights Case for Uber Bolt & Addison Lee drivers and received the TUC organiser of the year award 2017 for my work on Workers’ rights and the Gig economy. As a campaigner I am keen to promote Worker rights as well as assisting individual’s multiple issues from Employment rights, Legal matters, Debt, Housing, Social care and Education as well as engaging with MPs, MEPS, AMs and groups such as Global Action on environmental issues. My Union work covers many aspects including assisting workers with issues as diverse as depression to job loss, I have been able to help many members & their families with multiple issues. I also negotiate and engage on legislation at local & national level as well as employers and management as well as engaging with  Local and National government which has given me a good insight in to process and creating change.  I also sit on multiple TUC London East & South East committees including International affairs and transport. Additionally, I am a past trustee of Hillingdon law centre and Chair of a Local Charity.