I wish to represent the diverse, dynamic community which comprises Arbury.

Full statement

From 2017-2021 I represented Arbury in Cambridgeshire County Council, and know Arbury well having lived in North Cambridge for some 15 years. I have also been a City Councillor (2021-2023) so have experience in both City and County, which is useful in supporting residents with concerns and issues that fit into the City responsibilities or into those for County.

As a councillor, I worked hard in the interests of residents. Amongst other campaigns and achievements, I worked with (then) County Councillor Claire Richards to save Castle Mound and the Shire Hall Green Space around it, so that we could all enjoy access in perpetuity to this important Cambridge landmark - and we won! I also worked on issues such as parking on verges and green spaces, chaired Milton Road Project Local Liaison Forum (LLF) ensuring that the residents' plan for the roadway, footpaths and verges, retaining the trees and gaining more, was implemented instead of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP)'s plan. In this, I ensured that the residents were fully participating members of the LLF, through their residents associations. I also worked with Cllr Mike Todd-Jones and Lilian Runblad (chair and vice chair, Histon Road Project LLF), and with residents who were fully involved as LLF members. I worked with Labour City and County Councillors for more funding for road and pavement repairs, and keeping street lights on, and worked with residents on getting more lights where the changes to street light left great pools of darkness. I am 'at the ready' to work for Arbury, have already held site visits to secure Akeman Street and Darwin Drive on the list for resurfacing and if elected will work to ensure that it is the interests and voices of residents, and your concerns, that are at the heart of my work.

I studied at Cambridge University, am a Barrister and Human Rights Lawyer admitted to practice in all Australian jurisdictions (states and territories), and am practicing at the Bar of England and Wales as a member of the Inner Temple. A writer and filmmaker, my books include Wage Rage for Equal Pay, Different Lives, Women and the Law, Breaking Through, and Taking a Stand. My films include The Incredible Woman and A Greenshell Necklace (with Karen Buczynski-Lee), and Covered - A DVD Installation in 3 streams.

Green spaces, good health, safety and wellbeing for all are the values I will promote and support, together with ensuring Arbury residents' voice is heard in City Council work if elected - and, recognising children's right to play, will and establish playparks in Arbury, including the Arbury Court playpark, a playpark at Brackley Close and Kingsway, and safety for children playing on green-grassed spaces near roads such as Perse Way, Rutland Close and around Arbury.