I will listen carefully, act where I can and speak up clearly for local people

When I decided to stand as a candidate in Wharfedale, it came from a simple belief – that local people deserve to be heard, supported and treated with respect. I live in Burley in Wharfedale and have run Waste Not, our local zero-waste shop, for the past eight years. Through that, and through speaking to people every day, I see clearly what matters to our community and where things are not working as they should.

Over the past nine months, since becoming a candidate, I have been out across the area, knocking on doors, listening to residents and taking action where I can. That has meant reporting potholes, raising local issues, and even helping clear a snicket so residents using wheelchairs and mobility aids could pass through safely again. 

These might seem like small things, but they matter. They are about making everyday life easier and showing that someone is paying attention.

What I hear again and again is that too many people feel overlooked. Families on lower incomes are struggling and do not always know where to turn. Older residents can feel isolated or worry that the support they rely on is not secure. Mental health problems are increasing and more people are finding it hard to cope. We need to look after each other better and make sure the right support is there when it’s needed.

There are also real challenges for children and families, especially those with special educational needs. Too many parents feel they are fighting the system just to get the help their child deserves. I want to work with schools, professionals, parents and the council to find practical solutions so that children are not isolated, marginalised or left without access to education.

I want to make sure Wharfedale works better for everyone, not just those who are already well served. That means pushing for better services and activities for children and young people, so they have safe, positive places to go.

It also means supporting the brilliant community projects we already have and helping them find the space they need to grow, like the Men’s Shed and other local groups that bring people together and reduce isolation.

We also need to look ahead. Wharfedale is seeing significant new development and growth must be matched with the right infrastructure. Roads, schools, health services and green spaces all need to keep pace. Developers should be held to what they promise and the community should not be left dealing with the consequences when those promises are not met.

Reliable public transport is another key issue I hear about again and again. People need simple, dependable and affordable ways to get to work, school and appointments. And after the closure of the local household waste recycling centre, we urgently need a fair and workable solution that actually meets residents’ needs.

At the moment, Wharfedale is represented by two Conservative councillors and one Labour councillor. Many residents tell me they do not feel fully represented or listened to. I believe we can do better by focusing on what unites us as a community and by being present, visible and responsive all year round, not just at election time.

I do not pretend to have all the answers. But I will always listen and I will work with residents to find solutions that make a real difference. My approach is simple. I will listen carefully, act where I can and speak up clearly for local people.

I want to be someone residents can trust and rely on, whether that is helping with a specific problem or pushing for bigger changes that benefit the whole area.

Wharfedale is a special place, with strong communities and people who care deeply about where they live. I believe we can build on that, making it fairer, greener and more supportive for everyone, especially those whose voices are too often missed.

A vote for Green is a vote for hope. It is a vote for listening, for practical action and for making Wharfedale better for all of us.