Katie grew up in Acomb and her first job was at the Beckfield 8 to 10 shop on Beckfield Lane (now Londis). After University Katie worked in retail management, contract management and recruitment before becoming a trainee Probation Officer in 2005. Katie has been active in her Trade Union since she qualified in 2007 and was National Chair of her Trade Union Napo until October 2022.

In 2012 Katie moved back to York after struggling, like many, to afford to live independently in the city. She developed an interest in local politics that resulted in her getting elected to represent her home ward of Acomb in 2019.

In 2018 Katie was part of the team from the Labour York Women’s Forum who organised a conference open to the public to mark 100 years since some women won the right to vote

Since election as a Councillor in 2019 Katie has been proud to speak up for the people living in Acomb, regularly representing their specific needs and interests at meetings where Council decisions were being made. Katie has served on and latterly Chaired the Council’s Audit and Governance Committee, not only scrutinising the Council’s accounts but also uncovering and addressing issues that are raised through the Audit processes. This includes the uncovering of the ‘potentially unlawful’ process of paying off the former Council Chief Executive and overseeing the response to the Public Interest Report issued by the independent Auditors as a result. Katie believes in transparency and fairness in public services.

Katie is passionate about Acomb and has a real drive to make sure that the needs of local people aren’t forgotten.