Hello, my name is Jean Blackbeard, aged 48.

Full statement

I have lived in the North Cotswolds and been part of the community for almost 20 years, taking on various roles, including single parent, volunteer, campaigner, and business owner. I have been actively involved in serving my community through my business since 2018. As a result, I was invited to stand for the local elections and was elected as a member of Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council in May 2021.

I love parenthood (although now an empty-nester), people, learning, being of service to others, pursuing peace and expeditions. I'm a confident dyslexic who also loves words. My interests are heritage history, Christian theology, problem-solving, engineering, nutritional and environmental health, and social sciences. I thoroughly enjoy rambling, quiet contemplation, studying, puzzles, music, and sports in my spare time. I instinctively apply my analytical, methodical and perceptive abilities and hard work ethic to all the areas I serve. Since 2020, landlords have been attempting to unlawfully evict me from their commercial property to fulfil their ambition in the rental sector. However, with the support of my community, my Christian faith, my natural gift for analysing complex situations, and no legal representation, the court ruled in favour of my request for a lease renewal and I refuse to vacate on unfair terms. I use my gift to assist people both personally and professionally. I am not one to shy away from debate or advocating for the under-recognised. I will challenge the status quo when necessary for the betterment of others because it is my pleasure and honour to serve.

I've walked an arduous path in life, which has enabled me to develop empathy, gain insight into embedded social and systematic injustices that befall so many, develop resilience, appreciate the simple things in life and have an appetite for change. In an era where old-fashioned chivalry, fairness, and honesty are fast-waning in all tiers of government and society, I remain committed to making independent decisions that are life-changing and law-making based on thorough research, logical reasoning, and public sentiment. I adhere to foundational values and principles without the peer pressure and temptations of party politics, which is corroding our democratic government machine.

As your independent representative in Parliament, I am dedicated to serving you tirelessly on a full-time basis. I will be a voice for the voiceless and remain accessible, local, and engaged while advocating for justice and peace. I will support life-changing proposals based on merit and public vote, conduct thorough research and analysis and refuse to loosen my grip on the truth. I will strongly advocate to:

* Alleviate the contributing factors of hidden rural hardship * Revamp and reinitiate rural public services and infrastructure * Reduce rural greenfield housing development * Restore and realign our national government machine

I promise to collaborate with residents, experienced individuals, and cross-party and non-partisan colleagues to reform our government and ensure that laws represent the views of fellow citizens within the North Cotswolds and national communities.

North Cotswolds! Vote on Merit. Vote Blackbeard. Vote Independent.