I am married with four children and devote the rest of my time to my voluntary work, including:

Vice-chair and media trustee of the Heads Up mental health charity. Member of Wells Dementia Action Alliance for whom I have had more than 250 articles with photos published in the local media. Broadcaster on GFM, the community radio station for Wells, Glastonbury and Street. Vice-chair of Wells Civic Society, responsible for the installation of Blue Plaques around the city and indoor Black Dog plaques designed to support long-standing family businesses in Wells. Member of the Wells Men’s Breakfast steering group. Ambassador to the Wells Girl Guiding movement.

I’ve lived in Wells since I came here in 1984, with my family, to take up the post of Solicitor to Mendip District Council. During my 35 years in Wells, I have been a Churchwarden at St Cuthberts, a Governor at the Blue School, a trustee of Wells Almshouses and a member of the Cathedral Chapter. I feel embedded in the life of Wells and that I can now make a contribution, using my expertise in the field of planning, as a member of the City Council. I believe Wells Independents will bring new energy to the City Council and provide a more effective link with the people of Wells.

I came to Wells just over 26 years ago to start a family and to be closer to the family business, Basil Powell Shoes. I am proud to stand for Wells Independents and if elected will represent the people of Wells by listening, acting on any concerns you may have and working with all councillors to continue to make Wells a vibrant, forward-thinking and happy city to live and work in.

I am delighted to be standing as a Wells Independent candidate. I have witnessed first-hand the missed opportunities to improve the experience of Wells citizens. It’s easy to make complaints from the side-lines. It is not so easy to volunteer and take action. It’s time for new blood on the council. I was brought up in Wells and went to the Blue School. I offer my professional expertise together with the personal qualities of an independent mind and a sense of humour with a passion to do the best for Wells. A Wells resident said, “I’ve had enough of politicians; I’m sick to the back teeth of politics. They ask your opinion, but nobody pays any attention”. I absolutely agree; those are my thoughts. No point just complaining, so I decided to do something about it, and to stand as a candidate.

Over the past 18 years, I have watched the same people make the same decisions in Wells, and I feel that it is time for a change. I am not one who likes to complain from the outside, but one that would rather be inside and help make the decisions. My background is retail. I have a passion for the high street and for the independent retailer. I feel strongly that they need support and protection. I have spent several years talking to retailers around the UK and representing them in conferences and at national discussions.

Prior to moving to Wells, I ran a Care Home for 23 years, during which time I also worked on a voluntary basis to represent the Care Sector at a National and local level. My services were recognised by an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2016. I have family here in Wells, which was the main reason to move to this beautiful part of the country, and this has proved to be a very happy choice. I am an active volunteer with Wells Coronavirus Network, The Bishop’s Palace, Wells U3A, Wells Art Contemporary, Wells Dementia Action Alliance, Wells Neighbourhood Watch and Somerset Sight and I have seen how the strength of community is key to why Wells is such a great place to live. It would be an honour to be elected as an Independent Councillor to work hard to serve the residents of St Thomas Ward and support efforts to rebuild the post-Covid economy of Wells.