I've spent years working to improve things for people in my community, and dealing with the impact of other people's decisions When I thought about it, it was the obvious thing to do to try and put myself in a position where I can influence and make those decisions.

Full statement

Rather than simply provide a food parcel to someone, I want to make decisions that mean it is less likely that someone would need one in the first place.

My faith is really important to me, and at the heart of that is my belief that it is important to serve. This is how I can help create a world that has more hope in it.

The local Liberal Democrat team – Mark, Angie and Lisa – have been so important to help me do that. I literally would not be where I am without them. I have loved seeing them help people build their community up, and now I want to be part of that with them.