I have lived with my wife and children in Lower Earley since 2007, our children currently go to Hawkedon School.

Full statement

Having settled here in Lower Earley having attended Reading University, I have experienced a wide range of issues, from those setting out in life, to starting their family, to getting their children into good local schools.

We have loved living in Lower Earley and I was proud to be a local councillor supporting residents for over a decade and I continue that support locally being on the boards of local charity and part of the Hawkedon Primary School Parent Teacher Association.

I had planned on stepping back from local politics for a few years, but the ineptitude of the local Lib Dem council, and councillors together with being asked by many residents has encouraged me to stand again.

They have neglected our local parks; refused to support youth sport; are looking to change local rubbish collections which has seen a dramatic increase in litter and fly tipping; refused to adequately fund SEND education in our schools; and are intending to build over every green space left in the south of the borough.

Councillors should listen to their residents and our current local councillors do not. Should I be elected, I would represent the residents first and foremost and I will dedicate my time to serving the residents rather than political campaigns that go against your wishes.