I was born and raised in Topsham.

Full statement

After leaving to study Law at Oxford, then pursuing a career in finance, I returned to this great area, settling with my entire family, where my parents also reside. People often told me how lucky I was, as when I left, Topsham was a unique place, full of charm and character, where residents felt proud to call it home.

But when I came back, I was shocked and disappointed. The village that I remembered had lost some of its charm. Most of the businesses that I knew of were long gone, those left were struggling to pay ever increasing high rents and taxes required to fund bloated budgets and unnecessary bureaucracy. Once vibrant public spaces also lacked the care and attention they deserved. Floral displays that once brightened our streets were gone to be replaced by rising graffiti and litter. It was clear those in charge had stopped taking pride in our village.

I’m standing with Reform UK because we all know this can’t continue. I know how to fix it – I have managed budgets, big and small, and how to deliver streamlined services that we deserve and which will help our local businesses thrive. It’s time that our voices are heard so that we can work together to deliver the changes necessary to improve our local community.