Billy attended school in Southend and maintained links with the area his entire life.

Full statement

He has lived in Southend with his wife and grown-up step-children (who attended local publicly-funded schools) for the last 10 years, and runs a small family business based in Southend, which often involves working in St Luke's ward. Billy is an active supporter of a number of local charities, including HARP, the Southend Hospitals Charity and the Essex Wildlife Trust.

One of Billy's great pleasures is his wildlife garden at home that welcomes breeding frogs and newts each year, and this year he has acquired an allotment for the first time.

He has been a supporter of Southend United for many years: getting to games when other commitments allow.

He is proud to support the role the Liberal Democrats currently play on Southend Council, planting more trees and looking to increase bio-diversity, supporting our local businesses, and looking after our money responsibly.

He is keen to ensure that St Luke's continues to receive its fair share of investment, and will work with local residents, and especially Project Southchurch, to promote the economy and culture in the area and seek to maximise its potential.