I am standing as an independent socialist because we need real change.

Full statement

I live in the ward and see daily how working class people in my area are suffering. We have seen years of brutal Tory cuts and these are now continuing with Starmer’s Labour Party government.

Many hoped that Labour winning the election would bring real change but we’ve just seen more of the same. Labour gives tax breaks to the rich but has attacked winter fuel payments. The WASPI women have been denied justice and they have refused to lift the jtwo child benefit cap for families. Most recently the government has announced massive cuts to the benefits received by people with disabilities. This April bills are once again going up.

My home was flooded during storm Babet in 2023, when many in Brampton were made homeless. I saw the fear of families losing everything but I also saw a community united, standing together and knowing we deserve so much better. We need secure homes for all and to tackle climate change.

I have a long track record as a community and workplace campaigner fighting to defend our NHS, to stop cuts to services and against racism and discrimination. If elected I would be a campaigning councillor, using my voice in the council chamber to stand up Brampton East and Boythorpe.