I am standing to be a Councillor because I want to give back to the community and the city. I have loved living in Market ward for the last 30 years with its easy access to the most incredible facilities.  It was an obvious place to bring up our family of three children: all of whom attended local schools as well as sports and arts groups.

I grew up in Wiltshire and pursued a career in the arts and cultural sector.  I moved to Cambridge in 1993 to work for a public arts funding agency travelling across the eastern region to support local arts and media organisations.  In 2000 I joined the Greater London Authority and wrote the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone’s first cultural strategy.  For sixteen years I was Executive Director of a national arts charity, the Crafts Council, promoting craft and making for which I was awarded an OBE in 2017.  During this time I was President of the World Crafts Council and a member of the government’s Creative Industries Council. I am passionate about the value of culture to society and how it can contribute economically and socially.

I am currently Chair of the British Ceramics Biennial which engages communities in the ceramics heritage of Stoke on Trent; and an advisory board member of the National Centre for Cultural and Academic Exchange. In a city with two universities I understand how important academic research is when applied to the practical problems of our world.

I have run organisations and worked in partnership with local authorities, dealt with national government and funders as well as with education institutions and local communities.  If elected I will bring this experience to my role as a member of the local authority.

Cambridge is a beautiful place to live but it is not without its challenges.  Whilst it has brought prosperity to many there is an unacceptable divide between rich and poor. I believe in social justice and equity and will fight hard to secure services for our most disadvantaged residents.

Access to affordable housing is almost impossible to find and I fully support the City Council’s efforts to rebuild its housing stock and provide homeless people with good quality accommodation. With a high student population we also need to make sure decent rented housing is available for the many young people who make Cambridge their home.

Growth has led to this historic city grappling with traffic congestion and pollution.  It is vital that our Council continues to address environmental impact through its commitment to a 2030 Net Zero target and in tackling the effects on our local communities.

I want Cambridge to be a clean and safe city.  Anti-social behaviour can be a problem and it has been an issue for local residents in Market ward. I fully support the Council’s efforts, working with partners, to tackle this.

We are lucky to have many green spaces in Cambridge and it is a pleasure to see local groups and families using Parker’s Piece and Jesus Green for their team sports and recreation. I want to ensure that Cambridge’s green spaces continue to be accessible to all; and that we protect our local environment.

I am delighted to be standing as your Labour candidate for Market ward in May 2024.  If elected I will be there for local residents: listening to your views and concerns; and helping with your problems. I believe in a fair and just society and that all residents deserve to have access to the benefits Cambridge offers.  As your elected Councillor I will be committed to integrity and honesty, seeking to find solutions and speaking up for those of us who live in the heart of this wonderful city.