I have been a Ward Councillor in Micklegate for the past six years and have spent the past four years as Chair of the Council’s Statutory Scrutiny Committee. It’s been a challenging, exhilarating, frustrating and rewarding time in just about equal measure!

As Chair of Scrutiny I have helped shine a light on issues as diverse as employee welfare, digital inclusion, council pesticide use, the York Central development and the despicable exclusion of Blue Badge Holders from the city centre.

As a Ward Councillor I have always done my best to deliver for Micklegate residents, particularly when trying to tackle anti-social behaviour, poverty and social isolation. I’m a School Governor, a passionate advocate for Youth Support services and strongly believe in delivering both social and climate justice. I was a founding member of The Collective Sharehouse – a take-as-you-need community food support initiative based in Clement’s Hall – and alongside Cllr Pete Kilbane have worked extensively with under-represented communities across the Ward. Together we have worked hard to protect and support local music venues including Fibbers and The Crescent.

Being in opposition hasn’t always been easy – particularly when you see those in a position of power squandering opportunities or taking liberties with public trust. It has also meant that delivering for residents hasn’t always been as straightforward as it might otherwise have been. I know there is so much more we could do if Labour were in control of the Council. That’s why we’re so desperate to take all three Micklegate seats for Labour; that’s our route to taking control of the Council and our route to making Micklegate – and the city – the best that it can possibly be for ALL of our communities!

Outside of politics I’m a full-time dad to two school-age children and in my spare time (ha ha!) I’m an avid record collector and occasional DJ.