We moved here in 2007 with a new baby and have made our home in Guiseley, with two children in local schools.

Full statement

I've been volunteering in the community for much of the time we've lived here, mostly supporting other parents and their babies and children. I'm also self-employed in the creative sector. One of my strengths is finding creative solutions to challenges, be that in the home, community, or big business. I'm a deacon and trustee of a local church, and chair of the Friends group of one of the parks in our ward.

I've chosen to become involved in local politics - and specifically in the Labour & Co-Operative movements - for many reasons, but the foremost is a desire to build a better future for the next generation and hope for those who are struggling. They are bearing the burden of the Conservative choices to cut central government spending and local government funding, which has failed to address underlying economic issues and has hit the vulnerable hardest.

Ultimately, this isn't about me, it's about community and building something better together.