I left school at 16 to start work as a laboratory assistant.

Full statement

By part-time study and research I obtianed a M. Phil in Chemistry. After 8 years in industry i switched careers into education, working for 24 years at Calderdale College. Calderdale MBC offered early retirement which I accepted. Two years later, I was re-employed by Calderdale as School Pools Manger on a part-time basis. When the PE school was closed I set up my own business Pool Water Services, which I closed two years ago.

I am interested in economics, health, food production and housing, and have read widely. I use my knowledge for my own lifestyle and my actions follow my words. I have improved the insulation of every house that I have lived in. I have grown my own fruit and veg for years. I take care of my own health and strongly support the NHS. Few people can match my £40,000 contribution to the training of a NHS doctor.

The big issues for me are health, jobs and climate change. The economy needs rebuilding on a Green basis for the benefit of everyone. My values are the complete opposite of those of Boris. I believe in honesty, integrity, fidelity, care for my family, care for all people and care for the planet. I know that I am lucky in having a lovely wife, two successful daughters (a GP and a teacher) and five healthy and bright grandchildren, with the eldest two have graduated. I just want to help the less fortunate.