I want to stand as a candidate because I believe local government should focus on delivering the basics properly and efficiently, and that is increasingly not what many residents in Thames Ward and the wider Reading area are experiencing.

Full statement

Through both my professional experience and my day-to-day life locally, I see the impact of systems that are under pressure and not always delivering. Whether it is the rising cost of living, housing pressures, transport reliability, or access to services, people are feeling that things are becoming harder while getting less in return.
Working in a safety-critical, public-facing role within the rail industry, I deal with real-world problems every day — disruption, vulnerable passengers, antisocial behaviour, and the need to make decisions quickly and responsibly. That experience has given me a clear understanding of how important it is for systems to work properly, because when they don’t, it directly affects people’s lives.
In my role as a Union Health and Safety Representative, I represent colleagues, raise concerns, and work constructively with management to improve safety and working conditions. This has reinforced the importance of accountability, transparency, and addressing issues early before they escalate.
Locally, I believe the focus needs to return to the fundamentals:
• Delivering reliable, visible services that people can depend on, from street cleanliness to road maintenance
• Ensuring value for money and greater transparency in how public funds are used
• Addressing housing pressures through practical, preventative approaches
• Improving transport reliability and tackling congestion and road condition issues
• Supporting community safety and addressing antisocial behaviour in our town centres and neighbourhoods
• Protecting our local environment, including the River Thames and River Kennet, and improving air quality
I am not a career politician. I come from a working, professional background and understand the pressures facing ordinary people across the Ward and Reading. I want to bring a practical, common-sense approach to local government, focused on delivery, accountability, and real outcomes for residents.
Reform UK represents an opportunity to challenge the status quo and refocus local government on what matters most, the people it serves.