I am honoured to have this opportunity to introduce myself as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Reform UK in the constituency of Lichfield.

Full statement

I am originally from the Ashby de la Zouch area and I started my career at East Midlands Airport as a cargo loader at the age of 17. I moved on to senior management positions within aviation related organisations based in the Middle East before becoming self-employed as an aviation safety consultant based in Bahrain. During this time, I gained a PG Diploma in Training and Development and an MSc in Human Resource Development and Performance Management from the University of Leicester.

I have worked extensively throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia which has given me a unique insight into the different approaches to governance in various cultures. In 2017 I was recognised as a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society due to my contributions to global aviation safety. This experience, in a highly regulated industry, has given me the skills needed when challenged by red tape bureaucracy. Contributing to public safety across a range of cultures has required tact and diplomacy and high levels of integrity. These are attributes that I endeavour to apply to everything that I do.

In 2019 I returned to the UK to be closer to my family but because of extraordinarily high house prices I decided to live on a narrowboat. I have been moored in Barton Marina ever since however I can often be found moored in Alrewas and Fradley enjoying nature as well as visiting local canal side hostelries.

During the covid pandemic my small business was not able to trade fully and I found it a struggle to make ends meet. Because of this, I know how difficult our day to day life can be especially during the cost of living crisis. The current political situation has resulted in many of us living on the edge like this every day but it shouldn’t have to be this way.

It seems that the main political parties have moved away from that which they traditionally stand for, especially the Conservative Party. By aiming to please everyone it is obvious they are pleasing no one. This has given me the motivation and desire to give my time to the people of the Lichfield constituency in the hope that we can work together in improving our quality of life and ensuring a more positive future.

If you would like to support me and get involved, or simply want to share your opinions on how Reform UK could help you, please contact me by email or through the Reform UK – Lichfield Facebook Page.