"I’ve had the honour of representing Guildhall ward residents as their city councillor since May 2015.

Full statement

This is a really exciting ward, covering York’s historic city centre, and the strong and vibrant communities which surround it. Guildhall ward is my local community and the place that I’m proud to call home. Living in our ward, the decisions taken by our city councillors affect me directly and they matter to me personally.

Over the past four years, I’ve championed the interests of local residents and local businesses throughout Guildhall ward, and have worked hard to improve public services across the City of York:

> Clifford’s Tower: When English Heritage announced plans to install a raised walkway and wooden roof within Clifford’s Tower, and to construct a new visitors’ centre within the castle motte, I campaigned on behalf of local residents, who were concerned that the design of the new visitors’ centre would not fit in with either Clifford’s Tower or the historic buildings which surround it. I lobbied English Heritage, requesting that they consult with Guildhall ward residents and local businesses. I also spoke at the rally at Clifford’s Tower against the proposed new visitors’ centre, alongside Rachael Maskell MP. Following our campaigning, English Heritage announced that it will be proposing a different location for the new visitors’ centre, which will not be built within the motte at Clifford’s Tower.

> Walmgate Bar: When the City Council announced plans to sell the former Willow House older people’s home, including the green space next to Walmgate Bar, I campaigned on behalf of local residents, who opposed the sale of one of the few pieces of green space in the Walmgate area. I organised a demonstration to allow local residents to make their opposition to the loss of this green space heard. Over 25 people attended the demonstration, which received widespread media coverage. I also created a petition against building on this green space, which over 240 local residents signed. I successfully proposed the call-in of this decision on behalf of Guildhall ward councillors, which the scrutiny committee voted to support. As a result of the strong campaign that I led against the loss of this green space, the highest bidder for the sale of the land pulled out of the deal. A new bidder emerged which plans to preserve the green space next to Walmgate Bar.

> Imphal and Queen Elizabeth II Barracks: There has been a military presence in the City of York since the year 71, with a barracks in Fulford since 1795 and an army base in Strensall since 1884 – a tradition which the people of York are justifiably proud of. When the UK Government proposed closing the Imphal and Queen Elizabeth II Barracks, I led the City Council’s opposition to the closure. I successfully proposed a motion to protect jobs at the barracks, which every member of the City Council voted to support.

I’d like to continue working hard for Guildhall ward over the next four years, continuing to make our ward and our city an even better place to live.

My priorities for improving Guildhall ward are:
> Supporting the pedestrianisation of our city centre
> Improving air quality by supporting the clean air zone in our city centre
> Reducing the impact of traffic in the Groves area

My priorities for improving the City of York are:
> Spending £1 million more each year fixing potholes
> Spending more each year to keep our streets clean
> Working to increase the amount of waste that we recycle

In addition to my role as city councillor for Guildhall ward, I work as a project manager, specialising in railway infrastructure construction projects. I will continue to use my professional experience to challenge the City Council to deliver better services for Guildhall ward residents.

When I’m not out campaigning, listening to local residents, and attending City Council meetings, you’ll usually find me at the gym."