I recently returned to Sheffield, my home city, after a career in education spanning 36 years, including 17 as a headteacher.

Full statement

My final year was spent in a local pupil referral unit where I witnessed the damage done to children’s futures once they have been excluded from school. Many of the youngsters I worked with had struggled in the school system because of unresolved learning difficulties and chaotic home situations. I believe schools must provide not only a rigorous academic curriculum but also one that emphasises personal development. As we recover from the damage wrought by the pandemic, investing in local children and young people will be crucial. This includes working with local sports groups, offering assistance with grants and helping them to flourish.

I am currently an education volunteer at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust and an Independent Visitor for Sheffield City Council.

I strongly support a move away from the ‘Strong Leader’ model for running the Council to a more democratic and transparent committee system in which all councillors have the opportunity to make a difference and reflect the views of their voters.

I am an advocate of free speech and wish to see an end to the current obsession with divisive identity politics and the censorious cancel culture. Free speech encourages healthy debate and we must be willing to listen to the views of others and be receptive to new ideas.

I welcome the concern of many in our city for the future of the planet. However, this must not be an abstract notion expressed only through protest. Practical local everyday actions should be encouraged. Nurturing a love of nature and a commitment to cleaning up our local environment are simple steps. Encouraging responsible dog ownership, with zero tolerance of fouling and the provision of more bins is also a priority. I will visit local schools to promote the SDP’s ‘Litter Bug’ initiative. I support the work of STAG in their bid to save healthy trees from being unnecessarily replaced.

Finally, we must strive to care for our most vulnerable and elderly. One of the positive aspects of lockdown was the growth in community spirit and a willingness to help others. We must build on this and ensure we look out for others and seek ways in which we can offer help and support.