My parents lived in Torbay most their lives, I grew up here, and I have lived here most of my life.

Full statement

Our children are now enjoying the same fantastic beaches and facilities of the Bay. I now want to put something more back, and be a strong voice for the Bay in Parliament

I attended Hayes Road Primary School and went on to Churston Grammar School. I have been a volunteer for LINK Youth Support on Paignton Harbourside, for the Children’s Society in Torbay, and a Governor of both White Rock and Roselands Primary Schools. I have sat on Torbay Citizen’s Advice Management Committee and Coverdale Housing Trust. I was also Vice-Chair of the Housing & Environment Committee on Torbay Council.

In recent years, more and more people have realised that far from being just about the environment, the Green Party stands for a way of doing politics totally differently and for pragmatic, proven policies that can transform our country – and that Green politicians are different and can be trusted to have the integrity people expect – unlike the other stale parties.

It’s clear for everyone to see that our country is in a total mess: politics as usual hasn’t worked - we need a new approach. That’s why the Green Party has grown so rapidly – we’ve seen a surge in Green Party politicians elected at all levels over the last couple of years, and we can see the same at this General Election.

Only the Green Party has a credible plan to sort out all of the major problems we face. Tackling the cost of living crisis also means rapid action to tackle the climate emergency, and both of these things connect to building a much fairer Britain – like the parking problems around Brixham, the gridlock around road works in Paignton Ring Road and Torquay Harbourside, and taking action on the sewage discharges and astronomic water bills that affects everyone in the Bay.

In addition to the clear climate emergency we are facing, I am concerned over the cost of living for residents, and the hidden poverty behind the idyllic seaside town image of the Bay. I want to work with partners to make a difference to the inadequate public transport around Torbay, and with Planners to improve the supply of affordable housing for young families.

Other parties try to claim that that voting Green is wasted vote. They choose to ignore that we are surrounded in Torbay by Green Councillor numbers growing at each election in Exeter, Plymouth, Totnes, and Torbay will be next in 2027. Caroline Lucas has demonstrated the impact that a Green MP can make. Numbers of Green Party Members of Parliament will increase at this General Election too, and I want Torbay to have one of them.

I grew up gaining 30 years experience of community politics in Torbay. I will use my experience of previously being a Torbay Councillor, to provide friendly approachable surgeries, and help local people in the Bay with their casework issues.

Residents are telling me that the time has come for a genuinely different approach that will get Britain back on its feet after the turmoil of recent years, and to achieve that they should vote for me, and the Green Party, on July 4th