I’m 48, I’ve lived in Rugby since 2006, and have brought up my family here. I’ve been a school governor at Northlands Primary School and a trustee of Warwickshire Young Carers. I was born in Manchester and grew up in a village in Gloucestershire, where I developed an appreciation of rural issues.
I’ve been an active member of the Labour party since I was 17 (1992). I cut my political teeth volunteering for Labour’s successful candidate in the rural seat of the Forest of Dean in the 1997 general election. I’ve been a Councillor candidate several times and last May was elected as a Rugby Borough Councillor for New Bilton ward.
I’m our spokesperson on infrastructure and the local plan, and I have led our communications operation. This played a vital role in our campaign strategy that succeeded in winning four seats from the Tories in two years, taking us to No Overall Control and giving our Councillors more influence than they’ve had for many years.
I have gained a wide variety of valuable experiences over the years: I worked at McDonald’s through the 6th form and university. After graduating from Durham University, I spent over two years as a hospital porter while playing in a rock band that was played on Radio 1. After returning to Durham and gaining a Master’s in international relations, I worked for Labour MPs, including in the rural seat of Forest of Dean, and later in Parliament 2003-2006, mostly for the late Ann Clwyd, supporting her in her role as Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Since then I’ve worked in several communications and public affairs companies advising clients on how best to achieve their communications and sometimes policy objectives. Over the years my clients have included a trade union, membership organisations, major UK and global companies and campaigns. I help them with communication strategies, written content, media engagement, stakeholder outreach, and more.
I’m currently a partner in a strategic communications company where I lead a team that manages media relations and provides communications support to organisations hosting major events around the world.
Music and the creative arts have always been important to me. As a classically trained violinist I was very active in the music department and also acted in stage productions at Newent Community School. I played in youth orchestras and while I’ve put down my violin, I still write songs and occasionally perform. I used to play in a rock band in Rugby until 2009. I’m strongly committed to promoting music and the creative arts for all.
I stay fit by running around our town and neighbouring countryside.
I’m a member of the Community trade union and Labour’s sister party – the Co-operative Party.