What motivated me to become one of your Councillors?

I spent years working with new parents, seeing their lives and hopes damaged by cuts to services.

Full statement

I felt compelled to stand up, speak up and show up for my community and to do things differently. It took time and persistence

My first year was hard, with so much to learn. But now with Oliver and Sonia we've formed a strong, creative and effective team. We combine our strengths and skills so that we can serve you as forcefully as possible.

Most of all it's about people, about community and building trusted relationships. I cannot always do what people want, but I'll always show up and listen.

I'll challenge decisions where possible to secure better outcomes and find creative solutions to problems.

Previous Tory Councillors never had responsibility for balancing budgets slashed by 14 years of their government's cuts. Those cuts caused lasting damage and sometimes forced difficult decisions, like with parking charges.

Today we have a Government that has given Leeds more funding, and more certainty. It means we can do more: road repairs, playgrounds, tackling waste crime and more things that make life better!

For me, it's not a job, but a vocation. The hours are long and the demands are relentless, but every success makes it all worthwhile. I commit to doing all the good I can, with all the means available, for as long as you give me the opportunity to do so.