Hi, I’m Nicola Smith, your candidate for Labour in Dore & Totley Ward.

Full statement

If you choose to vote for me, I promise to do my best and will work hard. I am honest and have a wide variety of experience which I will use to ensure our ward gets the very best representation.
I founded a successful tech business which has been running 8 years, real proof I understand some of the difficulties affecting local businesses. I am also someone that moves with the times and know when modern technology and how it can be utilised for good.
As a school governor at Totley Primary School, I’ve learnt a huge amount about our education system and our local schools. I have pushed forward the healthy eating and have been the link governor for the community, early years, and PSHE.
I've been campaigning and making real change all my life. My first successful campaign age 12 saw my school uniform change. I founded a charity week that has ran 6 times and spread to 3 continents. It was mentioned in the House of Lord. Locally I campaigned to slow down the traffic on my road, which is now a 20-mph limit and for more blue bin space, which is happening in the coming months. I have bags of energy and often find if you push from many angles, if the change is needed the door it happens.
As a proud Yorkshire woman, passionate about building strong, connected communities. I’ve lived in Totley with my husband and daughters.
From the moment we arrived, we knew we’d made the right choice to live here. Our ward has an incredible sense of community, beautiful landscapes on our doorstep, and fantastic local schools where our daughters now learn and grow. Being part of this community has inspired me every day to help make our neighbourhood stronger, more inclusive, and supportive for everyone who calls it home.
I’m actively involved in local life: As well as serving as a school governor, I manage a Porter Girls football team and am a leader at Beaver Scouts. You’ll see me manning stalls at local events, joining local litter picks, and tree planning sessions and doing anything I can for our community. I previously acted as a trustee at Wiz Kids Nursery and during the COVID-19 pandemic, I delivered medication to vulnerable people in our area. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the needs and hopes of our community, and I am committed to using that insight to make a positive difference where it matters most.
Professionally, I ran a successful tech business with my husband for the last 7 years and have recently started working full time doing marketing. Additionally, I officiate funerals, which is truly an honour to celebrate someone’s life.

I may be younger than the other candidates, however I have a wealth of life experience. Here’s a few things I’m proud of. I’ve lived and worked on 4 continents, I’ve volunteered and been a Trustee of a Yorkshire Samaritan’s branch, I’ve worked as a career for both older people and people with additional needs. I’ve got a degree in genetics and was President of an international Human Rights organisation representing 40,000 members.

If you’d like to tell me about your local concerns or hear more, I’d love to hear from you.
And finally, if you want someone that truly cares, will listen and has a proven track record of getting things done, vote me on 7th May.