This community is my home. I was born at the Countess of Chester Hospital, raised on my family’s small dairy farm a few miles away and now live in Hoole.
I currently work in the maritime sector for an industry body called Mersey Maritime. From 2019 until 2023 I had direct responsibility for a major national programme, delivered alongside Government through a national organisation, Maritime UK, to build organisations that develop maritime business ecosystems. These help deliver the jobs needed for the industry to address key challenges like decarbonisation.
Currently, I am councillor for the Saughall and Mollington Ward, elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 with an increased share of the vote. As a local resident and councillor, I work hard to understand the needs of our community and act to make a difference in addressing any problems faced.
I use our shops, restaurants, healthcare and leisure facilities every single day of the week, and I share the frustration that our local representatives focus on attacking the Conservative government instead of making the case for the investment our communities desperately need.
I will be an MP who has a plan:
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working to attract investment to support our high streets
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making the most of our historic heritage assets in Chester and the wider area
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working with our Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver strong and visible neighbourhood policing
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making the case for further government support and investment in health, schools and transport
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Most people have no interest in politics; they want their elected representatives to be competent and focus on getting on with the job. But they also want to be represented by people who care.
I am driven by strong values and public service, reflected in my work representing local residents as their borough councillor. Residents should see their MP getting stuck in to sort problems out. I’ll always do that.
I am local, I am experienced, and I am motivated to give back to my local community. My overriding priority is to be a passionate advocate for Chester North and Neston, to champion its future and be a strong voice for each and every part of this constituency in Parliament.
I also know that Government doesn't have all the answers and that, often, the solutions can be found in local organisations who are working day in, day out, on issues in the community. Where I can, I help them too:
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Trustee, Cheshire DrugWatch Trust. Part of the trust leadership team delivering drugs-related education and prevention work in schools across Cheshire.
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Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) in the Church of England. Leading worship (services/preaching) and supporting congregations through pastoral work.
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Trustee, Mission in the Economy (MiTE). Recently appointed to this charity undertaking ‘industrial chaplaincy’ activities in the Liverpool area, as a result of my maritime expertise.
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It is important to have interests outside of political activity. I am also a member of the National Trust, English Heritage, Conservative Friends of Israel, the Prayer Book Society, and a ‘Clean Air Champion’ for the Conservative Environment Network.
In the coming weeks and months, I will be working to meet more of my neighbours, friends and people across the communities that make up our new constituency. I know that trust has to be earned and that people must never be taken for granted. I never have, and I never will.