I have lived in the West Midlands since 2005, when I moved here to teach first in secondary school, then in university.

Full statement

As a biologist I have taught about climate change, the environment, biodiversity and sustainability, giving me an understanding of some of the challenges faced by humankind. As a Parish Councillor, I've worked with Parish, District and County Councils to enhance the local environment, deal with planning applications, help with the cost-of-living and energy crises and much more. I welcome the opportunity to extend this to Tamworth. The book that I co-authored: 'Success with STEM' provided more opportunities for teachers to introduce their students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in interesting ways. I worked as a Senior Lecturer in Science Education for a number of years and was able to cascade best practice to teachers in training, to pass on to their students. Always interested in politics, I was the university's Institute of Education's Union Rep for some time as well as Ethics Advisor. Since then, I've explored more teacher training opportunities, for example in Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Oman and Macedonia. Working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds taught me how to communicate well and how to get things done effectively. I joined the Green Party because I believe that urgent action is needed on many fronts that only the Green Party appears to be serious in tackling. As a candidate for Tamworth, I will promote the Green Party's policies that offer joined-up solutions alongside sensible and sustainable ideas about wages, the cost-of-living and energy crises, environmental issues, transport, housing, energy and waste. And, of course, I would promote proportional representation as a fairer system of voting and get involved with the crumbling schools debacle. As an MP, I would work hard to reinvigorate local democracy and restore people's confidence in their local MP. When not working, I enjoy researching family history, tending our allotment, visiting new places and planning holidays using public transport as well as relaxing with a good book or tv series.