I moved to High Wycombe in 1987 and have lived in my current home with my husband since 1993.

Full statement

We have two grown-up children and three grandchildren.

I am a retired secondary Maths teacher, having taught for 38 years, working at a local school for the last 18 years of my career and retiring in 2016. I was the chair of governor for 25 years for a federation of maintained nursery schools in Bucks. I am a church member and also help to run a weekly youth club.

Cllr Majid Hussain and I were elected for the ward of Booker, Cressex and Castlefield in 2021. Majid and I complement each other and make a great team.

I’m delighted to have been able to help many residents with their specific problems. Issues such speeding, parking, school admissions, SEND, housing, fly tipping and Anti-Social Behaviour come up frequently.

We are currently working with council officers and Thames Valley Police to address the parking issues experienced in many parts of the ward. Along with Cllr Hussain, I have been part of the team monitoring the design and implementation of the Castlefield traffic-calming scheme and holding the contractors to account. This should make Castlefield a much safer place for all.

In the Autumn of 2024, we engaged the community in planting bulbs to boost community cohesion and encourage people to take pride in where they live.

I also work with other councillors on strategy for the whole county – this often involves challenging the majority party on their decisions. In particular, I am passionate about education and serve on the Children’s and Education Select Committee. I have taken part in several task groups:

recruitment and retention of social workers school attendance suspensions and exclusions

These reports have influenced council policy and decision making. A particularly pressing issue at the moment for many families is that of SEND and the lack of funding and staffing to respond to the needs of our children and young people.

I look forward to having the opportunity to continue this work for the people of the new ward of Castlefield and Oakridge and showing how Labour works for them.