I’ve been involved in a number of community groups here in Chelmsford as well as being a governor at a Secondary School.

Full statement

However, I only considered standing for election when Cllr. Jude Deakin suggested I should stand in a byelection for Chelmsford City Council.

I thoroughly enjoy listening and helping people, and I am proud to be part of the Lib Dem team that is working hard for Chelmsford. It has been particularly rewarding to be appointed as Cabinet Deputy for Community Safety. This means I get to work with the local police, council's community safety team and Safer Chelmsford Partnership.
The levels of knife crime are worrying and so I am pleased that to raise awareness, we have been able to secure a visit of the "Knife Angel" to Chelmsford later this year. It’s a sculpture using blunted knives, created to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour. We need to invest in youth services not make cuts, as this just undermines the fight against gangs and violence.

As I’ve gone around talking to residents, it’s clear that the other big concern is potholes and pavements that are not being repaired by Essex County Council.

So I am standing for election in Great Baddow and Galleywood division to take these concerns to Essex County Council.