I'm Thalia and have been the current Councillor for this area since 2021.

Full statement

I am passionate about what I do. It is an honour to serve people and it is a position I take incredibly seriously. Having an insight over the past four years into people's lives, their issues, their struggles and trying always to do something to help has made me realise how important the role is. How important it is to have people's backs and to fight people's corners.

The hardest thing with this job and indeed in any political role is to 'make' decisions. This may sound obvious, but quite simply most problems to solve are not 'black and white' and yet at times you have to make binary decisions. You will always therefore have people who 'don't agree' with a decision. The easy option would be to 'not' make a decision - to leave things 'as they are' but I believe this is why things often 'don't happen' and not a lot changes. You have to ultimately be brave and it is most definitely one of the hardest things to do in this role but to be effective it is essential.

Sitting on planning committee for example over the past four years - you know as soon as you walk in the room you will be upsetting somebody by a decision you make but I am one that has 'fairness' writ through me like a stick of rock, I am always thinking of 'what is fair' in whatever situation it is. I listen to the individuals, I think of the wider benefits to 'people' overall (of those who may not be in that room - who may need someone to think of them - often the many on a housing list - who don't want to speak out about how much they need a home in case landlords evict them) and I think of our wider duty - to future generations, to protecting our planet etc.

I am proud of the decisions I have made over these years and believe I have gained a reputation for being a strong, active and vocal member of the Council but also one who tries to bring the chamber together when it can often feel quite divisive and tetchy. I have never been one to 'grandstand' or 'point score' and people of all political persuasions I believe respect me for this. But I do genuinely believe that there is more that connects us as people than divides us and have simply tried to find those connections.
The many people I have dealt with in terms of casework and issues that have been brought to me know too that I'm someone that doesn't give up easily and that I'm able to think creatively around problems. Importantly, I am there to listen and have empathy with what people are experiencing. I will also be honest with people too and believe this is vital too, to not get hopes up if there is very little I can do to change a decision etc.

I am now Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, wishing to bring this 'kinder, more collaborative and open' brand of politics to the group and hopefully if I am re-elected, to the Council. We all (Councillors) work for the people we represent - for one and all, and I believe I could bring a lot in terms of potentially helping with others who feel similarly shape a new Council where we all feel empowered and involved so that we're making better decisions for you, the electorate. I genuinely believe so much more could be achieved when we're not focused on fighting each other politically but instead are firmly focused on the issues that affect us all in Cornwall and working collectively to solve them.

So what have I achieved over the past four years? Well, my style is not to get angry or be aggressively demanding, but to be tenacious and determined with the problems that I come across. If there is the same problem that comes up a lot then I try to get to the bottom of it. I also pro-actively try and solve problems that are 'bigger' than solely Council problems for example that involve other agencies like police, probation with regards Violence against Women and issues of Domestic Abuse. I am part of a network of Councillors nationally here and I am trying to ensure that Cornwall leads the way in tackling this pervasive issue. There are many other things I have done for example seen a neglected area and proactively thought I have to do something about that as it hasn't been touched for decades so have written a bid for playground equipment, secured match funding and support from local stakeholders, gained further support from other funding streams etc. I've worked with residents on traffic schemes in all the areas I cover. These can be contentious because individuals will have opposing views but I've worked hard to make the system as democratic and open as possible (pushing and achieving face to face consultations even for smaller schemes that don't normally have this), I've done my best in trying to get the best for the most people whilst being aware that it is impossible to please everyone but ensuring that I'm thinking of residents, businesses, disabled people and those with mobility issues, the elderly, children, our planet. I've played a really active role on the Town Deal board and am a strong voice on this group, speaking up for Newlyn, for young people, for those with 'less' money etc and I suppose trying to make sure 'levelling up' is 'for all' and it's about 'good, sustainable growth'. I've worked on footpaths and buses and am proud of being a real advocate for public transport in meetings and of consistently talking about the gap in provision (St Buryan being more poorly served than Mousehole and Newlyn, of issues of rural isolation etc) and of being listened to with an improvement in service this year and this is an area I will keep working on strongly if re-elected as i really do think Governments are not investing enough in rural public transport networks and we have to be speaking up more about this.

The thing that drives me too is the values and principles of my party. We simply want a 'fair deal' for people. I am passionate about fairness' and social justice and making sure everyone feels heard and has the opportunity to reach their full potential. That drives me day in and day out and I often start where I see 'unfairness' and people 'not' getting a 'fair deal'. I never chase votes but chase trying to make the world a better place bit by bit. I believe when people are happy and healthy THAT is when you get 'growth'. When people feel engaged and listened to and that they have a place in society and a part to play.

I feel the trust has gone from politics a lot and we have to get it back as this harms democracy when people are jaded and say 'you're all the same' . I genuinely understand why people feel let down indeed that was how I felt and that was why I stood, I was so disappointed in what I saw in the Johnson era with the lack of leadership qualities, lack of honesty or integrity. People will trust when they see change and they see things improving. I just get on with trying to do things that make everyday lives better for people little bit by little bit. The Nolan principles are so important here. Honesty, accountability, objectivity, openness, selflessness, integrity and leadership. If people in leadership roles don't deviate from these principles, people will gradually start to trust again in my view. I also signed up to the Compassion in Politics pledge which is about respect and treating everyone equally - of disagreeing agreeably.
We should be all able to shake hands even if we disagree but we have to get rid of the toxicity in politics as it really harms our democracy. I respect those who put themselves forward but less people are interested in standing because of the punch and judy 'party bashing' nature of it and social media, misinformation online and a 'clickbait' fuelled media doesn't help.

Instead we must earn people's votes through positive actions and from people seeing that some of us don't compromise our integrity. I am in my party to make sure we are our best selves as a party too and don't deviate from our core principles for short term political wins. I want to be proud of the party I represent. I think it was Rosa Parkes who said 'Stand for Something or you will fall for anything'.
I know what the Lib Dems stand for and I am proud of that. This paragraph from the constitution says it all for me and is indeed why I joined the party in 2020 (together with liking some eminently sensible, thoughtful and strong manifesto pledges) - but these words are hopeful and indeed aspirational and guide me in the practical decisions I make in this role.

' The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community and where no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.'

I stand up for people who I know need someone to strongly stand up for them and their issues. (As a Councillor, I am also aware that often the people who most need your help don't come to you and you learn about their situation 'second hand' because they simply don't know that people ARE there to advocate/ speak up/ help them. ) Often people vote for the least worst party or candidate and of course some don't vote at all. I would like people to vote for me because they like what they see I am trying to do and bring to politics from the bottom up.

The Liberal Democrats have bold and strong priorities too including real commitments to face up to the challenges of 'rescuing the NHS and care' for the long term. We have 'thoughtful' responses in many areas that whilst may not be 'flashy' are actually great ways to solve some of the issues that blight us by looking at them holistically. Liberal Democrats are known to be strong local Councillors - we are passionate about localism and devolving power away from Westminster which could be crucial with some of the challenges for Cornwall ahead.

My Background
I'm a mum with teens and have taught music and piano in many schools in Penwith having graduated from the Royal College of Music where I studied Piano in 1996. Before this I worked for a government initiative that worked with Schools in Penwith and on the Lizard and was about promoting creativity and skills for 21st Century teaching. Crucially, this role was about 'change' and needed people to trust and work together. This work stood me in good stead in trying to resolve issues and matters that may straddle different sectors and cross many agendas.

As your Councillor....
I became a Cornwall Councillor in 2021, elected first go in Mousehole, Newlyn and St Buryan division where and have lived in the heart of the area for the past 18 years and I have been working tirelessly for people and the area over the last four years. As a Councillor I sit on the Planning Committee for housing in this area ( from St Just and up to Truro), also sit on the Corporate Finance Committee and Chair a working group on Violence against Women and Girls. I put myself forward for other work too if I feel it is important for example recently I put myself forward to be part of a working group on our digital offer for residents and I did this with two reasons, one to make sure our digital offer was as good as it could be but also to speak up for those who were becoming more and more digitally excluded and to make that we did not 'forget' people and to be their voice and speak up about the need for 'face to face' or phone systems that were effective and helpful. I work hard to play my part in trying to tackle the everyday things that affect all of our lives. I speak up on these issues at Council regularly, have taken two motions to Council (ending VAWG and Defending Democracy.) Both were approved unanimously. I take my Councillor role seriously and work hard for residents but also speak up on the issues raised whether about the digital world and calling to make sure we keep face to face services as much as we can to not exclude older people, to supporting motions on mental health provision or speaking up about our Water Companies and how clean water should be a basic right. (This paragraph below was written in the pandemic but it's relevant now). I think we are at a critical point politically at the moment with the Climate Emergency and Covid. The only way now to make sure 'we're ok' is to make sure everyone is 'ok.' We can no longer just avoid these things that we may not like but have to face up to the reality of them. I have been motivated to stand as I feel it is so important that we don't go back to the same old 'normal' of before but we demand better from our elected representatives. I'm not a fan of three word slogans and sound bites, a media intent on keeping itself in business by pitting parties or people against one another, with politicians often more ego driven than 'people and principles' driven. So I wanted to enter the fray as someone who was motivated purely by a desire to help people and make a difference and who had values and principles she would stand by. I (and you) deserve people at the very least who are in it for the right reasons. It should not take a footballer and overwhelming public feeling for a government to realise it is doing the wrong thing. Nor should it be difficult for a strong leader to 'cancel' Christmas when it was obvious that this was going to have horrendous implications. This was the one time for me when I needed to trust in government and for me, it simply wasn't there.

But what I did see though was how at this moment people stepped up into that void. I watched first hand as communities and people came together. The positivity and support that came out of such an overwhelming situation was incredible and we HAVE to build from this. I believe in people and this is what has inspired me to do my bit. I believe that mostly we are tolerant, compassionate and kind but I also feel that in more recent times we have become a country divided; we seem unable to move forwards or upwards out of this and sometimes our worst sides are 'played to' by the media and politicians. I believe we must actively seek to find the things that connect us in order to grow a healthy, sustainable and secure future for all. I have never been one to give up on problems but try to find the commmonality and links between people to enable resolution and find a shared way ahead. I believe I would make a strong councillor, able to listen to and 'hear' your issues, fears and concerns. It has been humbling in the course of this role to have had the opportunity to listen to so many people and to gain a small insight into the issues that affect people. Some I was aware of and others have made me open my eyes. All I know is that I am not one to shy away from difficult issues and that I like getting to the bottom of things. I know most things are not black and white. I also am not one to give up! There is ALWAYS a solution if you have the will and the tenacity to keep at it! I stand up for everyone and ensure that ALL voices are heard at New County Hall. Britain has one of the highest levels of wealth inequality in Europe which is not a record to be proud of. I believe that to confidently face our future we must tackle some of these issues and also realise that we all have a part to play given the climate emergency. Thank you for reading. I would be honoured to gain your vote and support and be re-elected in the coming election so to be able to continue to do my level best for people.