Being the son of a steelworker father, Union rep mother, and grandson of a pit worker, and bus driver.

Full statement

I go against the cliche of what the media view of a typical green is. I am working class and proud. And as a Green Party member since 2016, I’ve been impressed by the Green’s commitment to workers’ rights. I was recently elected to serve a second term on Wentworth Parish Council where during my first term I introduced new benches in the parish to be enjoyed by many residents - elderly and young families alike. I was elected Mature Student’s Officer at Sheffield Student Union where I increased Mature Student involvement in Student Union elections by 80%.

Three of my core issues in this election are:

Industry Following the selling off of British steel companies - decimated to reduce competition to inferior quality steel from the Middle East and China. I believe there is a green future for stainless steel and stainless-steel products right here in South Yorkshire where it all began using modern techniques that don’t rely on fossil fuels. We were cutting edge in the first industrial revolution and so we should be in the next

Heritage Because of Tory cutbacks over the past decade, funding to the heritage sector has been gutted. I have a Masters degree in Medieval history and am on the committee of a Conisbrough based Medieval Re-enactment group and I am committed to bringing back funding to ensure everyone has access to learning about their own local history.

Mental Health Like many people, I have been heavily affected by a mental health condition that I still live with as a hidden disability to this day. Having been through the NHS’ mental health system, I have witnessed first-hand the long waiting lists, the rundown buildings, the pressures on staff, and how the government views patients with suspicion. There is a mental health crisis, and it has been made worse by governments that have treated the mental health system as a frivolity instead of a necessity. I will prioritise mental health to finally bring the NHS mental health system into the 21st century.