I have lived in Peterlee for over half a century and have dedicated the past ten years in the service of the town I love.

Full statement

I moved to Peterlee when I married my husband Jimmy, with whom I have two grown sons, and I’m proud and honoured to provide a voice for my ward of Peterlee East on both Town and District Councils.

Having served as a past chairman of Easington District Council, I am in touch with the issues affecting the communities in the east of the county, something that helped enormously while serving as a board member on the Area Action Partnership for six years.

It was through working on the AAP, alongside my Labour colleague Harry Bennett, that we helped secure funding for St. Cuthbert’s Church and the Yoden Road retaining wall refurbishment, which significantly enhanced the local environment and has been welcomed by residents.

Community safety and supporting our emergency services are passions of mine, so serving as vice-chairman of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority is a role I take incredibly seriously.

I have the pleasure of representing my community, county and the Labour Group on a host of committees, including Central and East Area Planning Committee and Horden & Peterlee RFC, for which we are raising funds for women’s changing facilities.

Working alongside Harry, we secured a Groundwork Development Officer and two apprentices for Peterlee East to combat inequalities linked to deprivation.

Based in Eden Lane Facilities, the staff develop fantastic community projects and initiatives to improve the lives of residents, young people and children.

A powerful advocate for young people in County Hall, I am working with Labour colleagues to focus on creating opportunities for youngsters across County Durham, empower a generation to participate in a range of activities, such as music, sports, arts, social action projects and volunteering.