I’m a local business owner, and I have lived within 2 miles of Dore and Totley my whole life and a proud father and grandfather who cares deeply about the future of our community.

Full statement

Having lived and worked here in Sheffield for decades, I’ve seen first-hand how decisions made at the Town Hall affect everyday life — and right now, too many of those decisions are failing local people.

Sheffield is facing a serious challenge. The council is over £1.2 billion in debt, with hundreds of thousands of pounds being spent every week just on interest. That’s money not being used to fix our roads, improve services, or support residents — it’s simply paying for past mismanagement. Meanwhile, our streets are crumbling, services are declining, and residents are being asked to pay the price.

This isn’t sustainable — and it isn’t acceptable.

Across the city, people can see things aren’t working. Expensive schemes like so-called “Dutch-style” roundabouts are confusing and ineffective. Traffic management systems have made congestion worse, not better, leaving drivers stuck in queues day after day. At the same time, parking charges in the city centre have become so high that they are driving people away — hurting local businesses and contributing to boarded-up shops and declining footfall.

We’ve also seen poorly designed cycle lanes that are rarely used yet have reduced road capacity and added to congestion. Recycling centres are often miles away, difficult to access, and operate limited hours — making it harder, not easier, for residents to do the right thing.

The list goes on — and it all points to the same problem: decisions being made without proper thought for the people who live and work here.

That’s why I’m standing in the council election: to bring accountability, common sense, and real delivery back into local government.

A key priority for me is fixing our roads properly and promptly. Residents are fed up with potholes, broken surfaces, and repeated short-term fixes that don’t last. I will push for contractors to be held accountable and for proper, long-term repairs that deliver value for taxpayers.

I am also committed to protecting our green belt and countryside. I will oppose inappropriate development that threatens our environment and village identity, while ensuring that planning decisions truly reflect the wishes of local communities.

Our local economy and community life must be supported and protected. Small businesses, pubs, and shops are under increasing pressure from tax and wage increases not to mention the sourcing costs of delivering their products and service to us all. yet they are vital to the character and strength of our area, and must be protected and supported.

Above all, I believe Sheffield needs a council that serves residents, focuses on delivery, and spends public money wisely. That means tackling waste, improving efficiency, and making sure every pound works for the people of Sheffield — not against them.

I will be a councillor who listens, acts, and delivers — putting residents first, protecting our area, and restoring pride in our community.