Over the last several years, I have become increasingly disillusioned by the torrent of sleaze and hypocrisy in politics, which has seemingly become the norm.

Full statement

I was dismayed to learn that I was unable to vote for the Green Party at elections in my area, not least because there was no Green Party in Newark and Sherwood. I chose to act and have been instrumental in re-establishing the Newark and Sherwood Green Party; we are growing in number. I want to see a government that takes seriously the growth of a Green economy, support for the NHS, an end to pollution of rivers and waterways, support for farming communities and the development of a sustainable, bio-diverse environment. Regularly attending my local parish council meetings, I found huge concerns over the proposed massive 'Great North Road Solar Park', plans for an incinerator at Bilsthorpe and the poor state of our roads. I have joined the Green Party and am seeking to stand for election in order to help address these issues. Having worked as a health professional in the NHS and as an academic in Higher Education, I have witnessed at first hand the progressive erosion of these services and the consequential effects on local communities and young people. My extensive experience of caring for people, teaching students and presenting academic papers nationally and internationally, campaigning for the Green Party and attending Green Party training sessions has put me in a good position to stand for election and help further the Party's goals. I am well aware of the hackneyed mantra 'a vote for a party other than Labour or Conservative is a wasted vote'; I am standing for election in the hope of laying this mantra to rest. A Green vote is a vote for the prosperity of constituency and country and importantly, a vote to save our planet. It is my aim to help put the Green Party definitively on the map. Our country and our planet needs a Green revolution and I for one am acting, not just for now, but for the future of our children and grandchildren. Join me.