About
Before politics
I was born in North Staffordshire and continued to live there when I studied at the University of Keele, where I became actively involved in local politics and community campaigning. I started working for the YMCA in 2009 as the Sustainability and Enterprise Manager and worked my way up to become the Director of Business Development. For almost twenty years I worked there, helping young people, families and some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Start of my journey:
In 2019, I was elected to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, representing the Little Chell ward, where I am responsible for representing residents concerns and influencing decisions on local services. In 2023, I played an active role in Labour's successful campaign to regain control of the City Council, following which, I served as the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities. As part of that role, I worked with Staffordshire Police to set up a coordinated approach to dealing with off-road bikes, including ensuring that the Police Plane was in the sky above our area, helping to identify offenders and then seize the bikes.
Being elected:
In July 2024, I was honoured to have been elected as the Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove. Since being elected I have focused on championing the issues that local people tell me matter most to them, including ceramics, heritage, road safety and youth affairs.
Time as MP:
Whilst in Parliament I have worked to draw attention to the number of historic buildings that are vacant or underused. I have sort support for regeneration and investment opportunities for these buildings, to bring economic growth to the area. I have supported important local businesses such as Moorland Pottery by securing £120 million for the ceramics industry, so as not to loose these vital pieces of my constituencies heritage.