I am standing as an Independent, believing that local decisions should be made by and for those that live here and not according to the policy of a national political party.

Full statement

I have served the residents of Totland & Colwell for the past 5 years and treated my position of Councillor as a full time role. I continue to hold Ward surgeries each Thursday at Totland Parish Office and variously at Our Place and similar venues, where residents can attend to seek my assistance or simply to make me aware of local issues needing attention. I cannot pretend to solve every issue but I always commit to do my best.

As a Totland Parish Councillor and Freshwater Parish Councillor I am uniquely placed to understand and take action throughout the whole West Wight - including key issues on protecting local greenfield sites such as Birch Close, Heathfield, Brambles, Camp Road and more, maintaining our local dental provision and securing them as NHS only, supporting viability of local businesses including Hursts and the Village Bakery, driving Southern Water to stop sewage discharges into our streams, SSSI sites and coastline, plus smaller matters regarding footpaths, retaining free on-street parking and public toilets and key services upon which we all depend.

My monthly reports to both local Parish Councils detail the donations I make of my Councillor Allowance to support our community - defibrillator training, prostate testing, laptop for Men-in-Sheds, youth services, establishment of wildflower meadows, wildlife support, Our Place and an extended list of local charities and support groups including Barnardo's and children’s support groups.

At Isle of Wight Council I have Chaired the IW Pension Fund since 2021 steering improvement from only 92% funded against liabilities to now some 160%, enabling a reduction in contributions by IWC this year of circa £2million that served to protect critical statutory services including Adult Social Care given our aged population.

Working with Empowering Islanders Group colleagues and gaining support from across the political divides at County Hall, we were able to stop the sell-off of Isle of Wight Council land and redirect analysis to use it for social rent homes, to improve efficiencies, to identify issues in financial calculations and to challenge errors in school place planning proposals. Our unique independent basis includes sitting in the middle of the main chamber rather than with administration or opposition - defining our non-party position working for the benefit of our Island rather than ‘political-point-scoring’.

I invite residents to review my track record of local and Islandwide achievements that demonstrate my focus, tenacity and resolve to improve our lives and improve future opportunities for all, and to select me again to continue as their champion at County Hall.

Thank you for placing your trust in me.