My Story
I was born and raised in Warrington in the North West. I was lucky to be the first person in my family to go to university and studied politics. I lived in Manchester before moving to Cheadle over four years ago. This is the place I have chosen to make my home and where I am raising my family.
A child of Warrington, the IRA bomb of 1993 had a profound impact on the town, and on my younger self. I saw the impact of conflict and broken politics first-hand, and it inspired me to help effect change. After university I delivered leadership programmes and brokered dialogue between young people from Great Britain and from Catholic and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland. Some years later I was proud to serve as the Director of Programmes at the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation overseeing their work to stop young people becoming involved in violence and extremism, and support services for victims and survivors of terrorism.
I worked as a policy advisor for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, in the police, crime and criminal justice directorate. From tackling inequalities to better services for victims of crime, I have a professional track record of working to improve the lives of others.
As a councillor, I have led campaigns to fight for services like Sure Start and to see bus services restored where they'd been cut in areas that needed them most. I've worked with residents to develop Climate Action policy, provide play areas for young people and ensure that much-loved community facilities stay open.
I have been a campaigner and fighting for communities for over two decades. I have spent my entire career working for social justice and advocating for others. From college governor to my work as a local councillor - I have a track record of public service and real experience. Cheadle is a fantastic place, I feel lucky to call it my home. But years of Tory decline mean people are worse off than ever before. Cheadle deserves better. I will use my experience to fight for its people.