I live locally and care deeply about our area.

Full statement

I want to see our villages thrive and their character protected. I know things are tough. Nationally, we’ve seen Keir Starmer’s Labour Government make cuts to Winter Fuel payments, increase National Insurance, and place the future of our farming communities under-threat. And remove green belt restrictions. While locally, Lib Dem-run Bath and North East Somerset Council has failed Saltford and the surrounding villages: • Our Council Tax continues to increase, while the services we receive get worse. • Taxpayer money is endlessly wasted on vanity projects in Bath, most of which are against public opinion, whilst Saltford and our neighbouring villages of Corston, Newton St Loe, Compton Dando and Queen Charlton are neglected. • Our village boundary is being eroded, with more and more housing developments being threatened. These developments would not only put a strain on public services, but also threaten to destroy the character of our area. Local residents are clear, we live in villages with a proud identity and active community, not in a suburb of Keynsham or Bath. • The Lib Dems at the Guidhall in Bath also back the ill-conceived Labour Mayor’s plans for a bus lane for the A4, despite opposition from local residents and the Parish Council. It’s not good enough. We deserve better. That’s why I’m standing in this by-election. Because this election matters for the future of our community. I live in Saltford village and currently serve on the committee of our local theatre group, Saltford Drama, and on the fundraising committee of Saltford Village Hall. So I know what issues our area faces and I know what needs to be done to improve lives for local people. Speaking to neighbours and friends in the village every day they all say the same thing - “We need a local Councillor that will focus on our area day in, day out” - and that’s exactly what I will do if I am lucky enough to be elected. I will: • Stand up to developers – We need someone willing to oppose the housing developments that local people don’t want and fight to preserve our village statuses. • Fight against the A4 Bus Lane – Our area needs a strong voice to represent local residents concerns about the A4 Bus Lane. As a resident living on the Bath Road, I am absolutely committed to doing whatever is necessary to fight against this unpopular and badly thought-out project. • Be your committed local Councillor – We need someone who will be fighting for our area and available to help local people all the time, not just when they want your vote.

As a former soldier, I believe strongly in service. I’ve served our country in our Armed Forces and I would be honoured to serve you and our community on Bath and North East Somerset Council and to deliver on the things that matter to you. I hope I can count on your support.