I am standing because I believe we have a real chance to change the way our new West Surrey Unitary council is run and to make decisions that think longer term about the things that matter most.

Full statement

I grew up in Cranleigh and Ewhurst and was outside all the time as a child. The Surrey Hills and North Downs shaped me as a person and I have a very deep connection to this land. Now I am grateful to be bringing my own children up here and to give them the same access to those natural spaces on their doorstep. That is something I feel a deep responsibility to protect.

The state of our natural environment is a great concern for many of us. Populations of native species are in decline, ecosystems are being polluted and biodiversity is decreasing. Living here all my life I see this and it matters to me enormously.

What I will work towards

If elected I will:

• Promote habitat restoration and protect the outstanding natural beauty of the Surrey Hills and North Downs for future generations
• Create and maintain nature corridors so that wildlife can thrive across our landscapes
• Ensure we have the right people and resources in place to manage our land for all of us
• Push for planning decisions that put the protection of our green spaces first

I am proud to call this place home and I will work hard to protect everything that makes it special.