Long-term Cambridge resident
Historian, teacher, researcher, carer

I’ve lived in Cambridge for thirty-five years, working as historian, lecturer and teacher, and editor.

Full statement

Most importantly, I’ve been a parent and a carer.

The climate emergency is upon us. It needs to be at the centre of every decision and every action by the City Council.

Active transport - by foot, by cycle and by bus - is crucial. It builds community and connection, and doesn’t pollute and cause congestion. Cambridge is still in thrall to the car. Having spent years trying to get around with small children, and at times suffering disabling back pain, I know the difficulties many of us face in negotiating city streets.

I am passionate about the quality of our public spaces and about the built environment. Too much of what is being built is too big, too high and too ugly. We risk turning into a vast megapolis, losing everything which makes Cambridge such a good place to live. Cambridge deserves better.

I was heavily involved with the the PTA of my daughter’s primary and secondary schools, participate in the Happy Bee Streets initiative allowing the wild flowers in our verges to grow, and serve on the premises committee at Quakers, helping manage the building and its upkeep.

I like nothing better than talking and listening to people, finding out about what works and what doesn’t. If elected to the City Council, I would seek to listen and to serve our local and city-wide community