I have represented Cinderford East as a Labour and Co-Operative Councillor for 33 years.

In 1989 I became a Councillor because of the increasing homelessness and poverty under the Thatcher government and today am still motivated and fighting for residents as things have worsened under the current Tory regime.

I am a member of Unite and am actively involved in local community groups Forest Health Forum, FVAF, Forest Sensory Services andam the Council member Champion for Domestic Abuse and am committed to supportingfamilies impacted by abuse to accessing local services.

I have been a Cabinet Member for Housing at the District Council and continue to push for more affordable homes, influencing polices both nationally and locally so that Councils can build homes again.My housing priorities would be to address:

Overcrowded homes: tenants are being exploited by rogue landlords.

Owners are sitting on empty homes: I will ensure action is taken to investigate compulsory purchase.

Neglected Social Housing tenants: I will ensure action is taken for repairs and upgrades to homes.

I have campaigned tirelessly for the Party over the years, having been the General election Candidate in 2019.

I am concerned about how local people are struggling to survive on low paid jobs, meagre benefits for the paid and unwaged and the lack of opportunity to upskill, especially the young. We must work collectively to enable better access to employment and to continue working with others at the two councils and with community groups.