I have lived in Cowick for over 15 years, where I work in a local shop and volunteer at a community store.

Full statement

These roles have provided valuable opportunities to hear about the issues local people face. I’ve become passionate about bringing positive change to our city, and to the neighbourhoods that make up the Alphington and Cowick area.

I have developed a good working relationship with MPs, challenging them on climate rollbacks, and their failure to tax extreme wealth or tackle the cost of living crisis.

As a local councillor in Alphington and Cowick, my priority will be to listen to residents and work to ensure the Council gets the basics right:

– Proper public engagement
– Fair and timely decisions for those needing adult social care
– Working better with parents and carers to help improve SEND services
– Making sure pavements are clean, clear and safe
– Fixing potholes and ensuring road crossings are in the right place
– Ensuring that drains are cleared to prevent flooding
– Fixing broken streetlights quickly

Green Party councillors have a track record of hard work in their communities all year round, not just at election time. When people elect hard working Green Party councillors, they like what they get and want more. Over the last five years, the number of Green councillors in Exeter has grown from one to seven.

Change is coming at Devon County Council – support for the Tories has collapsed and Labour is failing to deliver positive change either locally or nationally. At a time when local councils are to be reorganised, we need councillors who will fight for local democracy and put the needs of our communities before the interests of their party.