I am the current Independent county Councillor for Choppington, which becomes Choppington and Hepscott for this election.

Full statement

I was elected in 2021 when I stood for the Labour Party, but I left the Party over powerful differences of opinion on policies and tactics. I didn't believe that being answerable to a political machine was in any way helpful for local residents, especially one which appeared to me to have lost identity and direction. I have seen the difference powerful Independent voices can make in holding the council leadership to account, and I really believe all of the major parties have failed the electorate, and we're tired of the same old excuses for inaction. Labour blame Tories, Tories blame Labour. Lib Dems blame everyone. We need courageous voices at County Hall, and fresh ideas. Labour voted against the Tory budget, but offered no alternative. What use is that to any of us? Local Government funding is completely broken and needs fixing, not fiddling with. If you elect me as your representative on May the 1st I will be a powerful voice for our area and I will work cross Party for the benefit of local residents.