I am standing as a candidate for City Council because I care about the residents in my area. I have lived, worked and raised my family here for over 20 years and I love it. And as an active campaigner, a committed volunteer and a longstanding member of this community, I will work hard to improve local people’s lives.

Since I joined the party in 2015 I have campaigned door-to-door across Norwich. And, after listening carefully to residents’ concerns, I understand that the small issues that affect your everyday life – parking, noisy neighbours, bins – are just as important as the bigger ones that impact us all – the NHS, the environment and cuts to vital local services.

I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when you live with a problem and cannot get the help you need. If elected, I will listen to your concerns, speak up on your behalf and push for a resolution.

I have volunteered in our local community for many years: Norwich Foodhub, the NR2 Sunday Social and Open Christmas. I help run a community collection project, The Big Give, which supports local foodbanks and Leeway domestic abuse refuge.

During the pandemic, I continued to run socially distanced events to keep this service going. I also kept in touch with lonely and vulnerable neighbours, picked up prescriptions and dropped off food parcels.

As a team we can get things done. I have helped on coaches from Norwich to London Remain marches, dig a community garden and assisted local residents to fight against unfair parking charges and other issues.

I stand up to support marginalised members of our community. I march, sign petitions and speak out. I attend Pride every year in solidarity. And when we could not show our support in person I joined Black Lives Matter and Stop Violence Towards Women protests online.

Making it easier for residents to keep in touch with what is going on is important. I jointly run Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for Norwich Labour Nelson Ward, which we use to share important information, useful resources and relevant news stories.

If needed I am happy to work with councillors from any party to improve the city we love, particularly to help local businesses, save and plant more trees, protect bees and wildlife and to stop the Wensum Link. But I will never stop fighting for a Labour government.

I enjoy being active in my community and helping others is an important part of who I am.