I live in Ramsgate and understand the challenges that really concern local residents.

Full statement

Time and again issues around safe affordable housing, cuts to youth provision, anti-social behaviour, and lack of jobs are raised with me.

Thanet and Ramsgate in particular needs better transport and better access to health care and Tory-run Kent County Council ignore us.

I have held various senior roles in local government, working in education, and am a passionate advocate for the community benefits of volunteering, apprenticeships, local job creation and business start-ups.

Ramsgate has been long neglected by Kent County Council, which focuses on the safe West Kent Tory seats, and there is huge talent here that deserves to do much better.

Standing as a Kent county councillor for Ramsgate, my pledge to our community is to defend it against KCC cuts.

End Tory KCC waste on reckless spending and call for investment in frontline services.

Fix social care – tackling poor standards and waiting lists.

Grade A education – support children and young people for a better start in life. Save local youth services in Ramsgate.

Repair our roads – invest in transport, fewer road closures, fewer potholes and Improved pathways for people with mobility issues.

Better buses – campaign for bus routes from Ramsgate to Canterbury.

Revive our town centre.

Stop the sewage scandal.

For decades, KCC has squandered your money and let services crumble and blocked the change we desperately need.

We need to fix the barriers and build a safer, fairer and more prosperous community.