I was born in Reading and have lived here all of my life.

Full statement

I worked in Berkshire until very recently in the defence sector and then in education and research.

I’ve had a long-standing interest in politics conducted at first from an armchair, but my work as a trade union representative gave me insight into how big companies can poorly treat their workers. It also opened my eyes to how the attitudes of big business feed into Westminster.

I feel that Labour values best match my own, so after many years of silent support, I joined the party and became an active member pretty soon afterwards.

I’m standing to be a councillor because I love the town that has always been home to me and is also home to my family. I’ve seen the good work our Labour-led Council is doing for its residents under ever-tightening financial constraints, and I’m keen that it should maintain control here and carry on putting the needs of its residents first.