I joined the Labour Party as a 17 year old; someone who had grown up under Thatcher and wanted a different way of doing politics.

Full statement

I have been a member ever since.

The Labour Party arose out of the trade unions and so we represent the workers - the ordinary people. This is a hugely important part of our history to me and the hours spent knocking on doors stems from this - the desire to ensure that all of us have what we need to succeed in life. I feel very strongly that we currently do not. 88 year olds lying in corridors on hospital trolleys. Food banks; no one knew what they were before 2010. Headteachers putting their heads above the parapet, writing to parents to explain the funding crisis and ask for support. We can do this better.

Similarly, the Climate Emergency forces us to take action as its effects become more and more evident. We hear of floods and forest fires in the same week. Lives put at risk because of our man made actions.

I want to see a change.

Politicians are held in poor regard at the moment. It is an interesting but challenging time. However, I passionately believe that we need good, ordinary people being part of the system. I do not have a magic wand - I wish I did - and politics works slowly. But I will try my best to make our country better so that it works in the interests 'of the many, not the few'.