I am proud to be elected as your Labour Councillor for Clifton. I live near the old football ground and I am proud to call Clifton my home.

As an active member of our community, I am involved with resident groups, support local events and regularly attend coffee mornings.

The Labour movement has always been about community participation and this is at the heart of my politics. I am keen to listen to local people’s views and value the thoughts of all residents.

I was born in Wakefield and raised in the Hopetown area of the former mining town Normanton. I know how local and national policies can have an effect on ordinary people.

I started my working life at 16 and have a variety of different experiences, from working in shops, museums and the music industry. I have previously run a small business and continue to volunteer to help organise campaigns co-ordinated by my trade-union.

High-quality public services and our NHS are incredibly important to me – I am so proud that the Labour Party created the NHS and I am determined to fight against the dismantling and privatisation of our health service – Only Labour can save the NHS.

I am a hard-working and passionate representative for our community, providing a strong voice for Clifton on York Council. In the Council Chamber, I speak out against austerity and contribute to every debate I can. I have proposed three motions that have been passed by Council; one to denounce the [Anti] Trade-Union Bill; one in favour of protecting local democratic procurement; and one to say that the Council should adopt the Unison Ethical Care Charter.

I sit on the Licensing and Gambling Committee, as well as being a Trustee for York Museums Trust and York City Charities. I have previously served as the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority Labour Group Leader and the City of York Council Labour Group Leader.

I’m a proud father with a young family! So when I get a chance, I enjoy listening to records or to the football on the radio, playing guitar and tending to the back yard!