I am proud to have worked as a Social Worker for over a decade helping others to lead better life's and advocating on behalf of those without a voice.

Full statement

Prior to starting my career in social work, I previously worked in a range of roles, including charity volunteer, delivery driver, door supervisor and postman. As a result, and unlike many of our current politicians, I understand what it is like to be living with precarious employment and insecure finances and how vital it is that this experience is heard. I am proud of my working-class background. Like many people in our region, I was the first person in my family to attend university and enter a professional role, where I supported a vast number of people with challenges ranging from homelessness to addiction to accessing services that had previously excluded them. With my experience and advocacy skills I will confidently address the individual issues faced by constituents in Killingworth and Cramlington, as well as making sure that broader local needs are heard. The current first-past-the post, two party system has ground to a halt and we're seeing the negative consequences of a lack of meaningful democracy. Positive and lasting change will not be achieved by parties who keep doing the same thing- appeasing the interests of those who currently benefit most from the inaction we see on the climate catastrophe and rising inequality. Only the Green Party are actively campaigning with policies to address the root causes of the ills that currently sweep our nation. Only the Green Party will stand up for those who most need an active voice working with them instead of the major polluters or media moguls, currently very well represented in Westminster, who sow discord amongst society to further their own financial interests, with no concern for the local people it effects. I promise to campaign for changes to the voting system to ensure people's votes truly count; for policies that protect our environment and allow us to live healthier lives - securing the future for those who shall inherit our world; to reduce inequality and ensure those with the broadest shoulders bear more of the weight for the changes that we and our planet need. I would be proud to be elected as your representative.