I have lived with my family in south Suffolk for over 25 years.

Full statement

After a career working locally for the NHS I now work in music, including teaching music in Holbrook and other primary schools, and running a range of singing groups.

Wherever I have lived in Suffolk I have been closely involved in my community - whether that’s as a school governor or a member of environmental groups, a local campaigner (for example on libraries or school transport) or a Labour activist. I was Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for South Suffolk at the 2024 general Election and narrowed the Tory majority over Labour to 3,000 – down from 13,000 in 2019.

These elections are about local issues and the local services that Suffolk County Council delivers - for instance Social Care, support for children with SEND, bus services, and road maintenance. If elected, my work experience puts me in a good position to understand how to support families to access the support they need. I’m also keen to support the council through the forthcoming changes to local government, so that we can finally deliver the more efficient and effective services everyone needs.

Peninsula division is big! It covers villages from Wherstead down to Brantham, and out to Shotley Gate. Nature rich, but with challenges around public transport and infrastructure. I’m standing to be your councillor in this lovely rural area in order to preserve and extend access to vital public services for people of all ages. I support the proposal for an Ipswich Northern Bypass, because of the transport problems that affect the peninsula when there are issues with the Orwell Bridge. I will also be focusing my efforts on social care, children with SEND, and improving bus services.