I'm running in this council by-election because I want to stand up for my community and bring about real, positive change for all local residents.

Full statement

I’ve felt the same frustrations with Conservative and then Labour run councils failing to deliver for us - whether that's the financial ruin the Tories left the council in, the continued lack of local housing and the lack of funding for leisure and green spaces.

I will advocate for people and planet on behalf of all the residents of Wellington to ensure that services are being run in the interests of us, the people, not investors and shareholders.

My priorities will be:

• Tackling the housing crisis by arguing for more public housing and responsible development

• Supporting local businesses to keep public money in our local community

• Safeguarding existing local services from council-wide budget cuts

• Ensuring residents, not private profit, shape decisions

• Seeking out and listening to your concerns - then acting on them

This by-election cannot change the control of the council. Whatever happens, Labour will continue in a minority administration.

This means they will need the support of others on the council to achieve anything, so whoever is elected will be able to hold them to account to deliver for residents.

You can decide if that new councillor is more of the same Tory and Labour politicians of the past, divisive Reform, or someone who wants to fight for residents.