Raised in Wakefield, I'm the product of a hardworking family committed to public service.

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My mum is a carer and my dad is a prison officer.

I've faced many of the same struggles that people across our area face daily - and I've used these experiences to fight for what is best for people locally throughout my career.

Unlike many in politics, I didn't take the typical path through university. I haven't got a degree and I haven't spent a lot of time in the Halls of Westminster.

Instead, my career began locally. I got my first job aged 13. My first proper job was at River Island in the Ridings in Wakefield, when I was 16 - and then as a Community Development Officer working with local kids at Wakefield Trinity, where I secured funding to improve local children's health and wellbeing, and giving 2,000 young people the chance to engage with sport.

Now, in my professional life, I work to support vital local and national campaigns, like holding water companies to account when they pollute our rivers and seas, calling for support through the cost of living crisis and tackling NHS waiting lists.

These are all key issues facing us across Ossett and Denby Dale.

In the last four years, Labour has changed. And whilst we've changed for the better, the Conservatives have changed Britain for the worse.

We all know the damage that the Conservatives have done over the last 13 years. And we all know that we can't afford any more.

​That's why I am standing - because I believe we deserve better. Because it's time for change. Because we deserve a fresh start.