I have lived in Gloucestershire for thirty years where I’m a County, Borough and Town councillor.

Full statement

Elected / re-elected in 2019 and 2023 to Town and Borough and to County in 2021, I lead groups of four Greens at both Borough and County. I’m an experienced public speaker and my work has given me the extensive range of skills required for Parliament.

I found my way into politics in order to help protect our area and give voice to the strong feelings of residents. I really like helping, solving issues, putting people in touch and making our area a better, safer place to live. The support I have had from residents has been terrific and I am delighted every time I am able to achieve successful results for them. People said that they have felt especially cared for during the pandemic, as I kept them well informed via email and phone calls and I continue to send regular emails and flyers go out throughout the year, (not just at election time!). I am also delighted that the Green Party are growing locally having increased our number by 300% in the last local elections.

The Green Party aligns with my lifelong values. I ran for Parliament in 2017 and 2019 so my name is well-known and I’m very committed and I am asked on a daily basis if I’m the candidate again. I’m a firm believer in equality, justice and education; those lucky enough to have been taught to love our planet want to protect it. We need radical Government policy change and support for individuals too; many want to use alternatives to cars, but if there are no transport services or safe roads they cannot.

Alongside the many committees and working groups, I’ve packed much into the last few years, including conferences and courses where it’s good to network and share ideas, plus various trips to Westminster and visits to urban tree schemes, hydrogen businesses, farms, schools, recycling plants, solar panels on Gloucester Cathedral’s roof and more.

Protecting nature is now a high priority for many people; At Borough, I brought two successful Climate Emergency motions, (including an ecological emergency) and I chair the Climate and Ecology working group where a lot takes place, including the installation of a solar PV canopy which generates around 70% of site electricity.

I’m creative and very much enjoy organising and motivating people; From the Wildlife Trust’s 30 days Wild, I devised Tewkesbury Goes Wild, (over 40 free outdoor events, led by experts), I coordinate Tewkesbury’s Toad Patrol, lead a community group and ran a community speed watch, (now waiting for cameras). I also run free monthly Daytime Discos for people to enjoy tea, a chat, make friends, watch dancers, or join in to keep fit, I've set up Tewkesbury Dementia Action Alliance as we were the only Gloucestershire district without one and I am a huge advocate for our brilliant, monthly Repair Café too.

I work extremely hard, receive lots of case work and make positive change, including helping to save 2,000 trees from being felled; a site Tree Preservation Order was secured and I spoke at the appeal which was an amazing community victory. I’ve solved major issues with social housing, reinstated allotments and obtained emergency help for flood victims.

I’m also a musician, love dancing, long walks and locally grown or foraged food. I’m a Trustee of the Roses Theatre and part of the management team of Tewkesbury Nature Reserve.

As Tewkesbury’s Green Party General Election candidate and potential MP, I will extend my passion, continuing to make this parliamentary constituency a better place for everyone.