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 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.