As a resident of Boscastle, I care deeply about our local area.

Full statement

When my family and I first moved here, it was the natural beauty and unique charm of the area that drew us in. What we didn’t fully expect - but now value above all - is the warmth of the people and the incredible sense of community that truly makes this place home. We are lucky indeed to be blessed with such a diversity of both people and place within such a small area, and recognising this diversity is key to understanding the nuances of the issues that face us.

Like many rural areas, our local authority faces real challenges. But I believe our community has the strength and resilience to tackle them - provided we have the right leadership and support in place. Having worked within a local authority, I’ve seen first-hand the pressures on communities like ours, particularly around infrastructure and adult social care. I worked hard to make systems more responsive to residents’ needs, including delivering government-led initiatives during the pandemic. I know how to navigate these processes, and I’m committed to driving meaningful, practical change where it’s needed most.

The 2024 general election proved one thing: people are ready for change. While Labour may have swept into power, record numbers voted for parties outside the tired big three. After a catastrophic coalition, brutal Tory austerity, and now a Labour government failing to deliver for the many, it’s clear the status quo no longer works for ordinary people.

This crisis isn’t just national—it’s right here in Cornwall. Our Conservative-run council faces a staggering £1.3 billion deficit. Poverty is rising, housing is unaffordable, and basic services are crumbling. Roads are in disrepair. Council support for things as vital as public toilets in Boscastle is being cut. Meanwhile, our beautiful coastline—one of our greatest assets—is being poisoned by sewage.
It doesn’t have to be this way.

The Green Party offers a real alternative. We stand for hope, not fear. Solutions, not slogans. We’re here to protect our people, our environment, and our future.

Our top priorities for Cornwall:

Fix the housing crisis: Build genuinely affordable, sustainable homes. Introduce rent controls where needed. End fuel poverty.

Real devolution: Give power back to local people. Let Cornwall decide what’s best for Cornwall.

Protect nature: Clean up our beaches and rivers. Make polluters pay. Ensure new developments respect both people and the planet.

Stronger communities and services: More GPs, NHS dentists, schools, libraries. Invest in local jobs and small businesses.

Better transport and safer streets: Cap bus fares at £2. Bring in flexible minibus services for rural areas. Make walking and cycling safer.

We understand that not everyone wants to live just to work. That inequality hurts us all. That our planet has limits we must respect. While other parties offer excuses, we offer bold, practical solutions.

A vote for the Green Party on May 1st is a vote for real, meaningful change. For people. For planet. For Cornwall.