Whilst I originally moved to the Calder Valley nearly 20 years ago, I originate from near Hull and my family have a history in farming and commercial businesses.

Full statement

Professionally, I have over 26 years’ experience in providing UK and International Tax advice from a career which spanned PwC, KPMG, EY and latterly BDO where I was their first female equity Partner in Leeds and led their Private Client Practice across the North of England. I am a member of The Chartered Institute of Taxation and The Association of Taxation Technicians, and I have both the commercial acumen and technical knowledge to understand our legislative system together with the benefits of entrepreneurialism and supporting businesses and individuals alike; true Conservative values.

Whilst I’m aligned with promoting growth and supporting businesses and individuals so they can benefit from their hard work, I’m also mindful that other core Conservative values are equality and supporting everyone in our community and I have consistently spent a significant portion of my time volunteering. I am Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee, Joint Chair of Audit and Risk, and full Council Member at The University of Hull – being the youngest on Council and first female to be FIC Chair. I led the University’s financial transformation programme which has placed the institution in a stable financial position and was a precursor to a Green Private Placement Bond raise last year.

I am a member of the Development Committee for The Prince’s Trust in Yorkshire and Humber, a Trustee of Yorkshire Children’s Charity and I sit on the Advisory Board of Tax Aid, which advises vulnerable individuals with their tax affairs through free advice. I also mentor on the pioneering Aurora Leadership programme, supporting others with their own development. Prior to these appointments, I assisted the Yorkshire based Social Enterprise, Purple Patch Arts, which provides creative learning opportunities for those who are learning disabled and autistic adults.

I retired from professional practice to focus on my long held political aspirations as, much like many others I was genuinely frustrated and becoming increasingly disengaged. It was probably one conversation too many with my husband Christopher, who is from near Hebden Bridge and he encouraged me to try and do something about it as opposed to shouting at the TV!