I’ve spent my life breaking down barriers and now I want to break them down for you

I’ve always believed that where you start in life shouldn’t define where you end up. 

I’m a council estate kid who has spent a lifetime smashing through glass ceilings – but I didn’t get here alone. I was born in Bingley, on York Street, and I spent some of the most difficult years of my life living in Crossflatts with my nan and grandad. 

My family were the backbone of this town: my nan was a dinner lady at Bingley Grammar – the very school I attended – and my grandad was a local bin worker. They taught me the value of hard work, but they also taught me about the hidden work that keeps a community together. 

When I became a teenage parent alongside Georgie, it was that community support that helped me overcome the challenges of young fatherhood and pushed me to achieve my potential. 

Those experiences didn't just shape my past. They’re the reasons I’m standing to be your councillor today. I want every person in Bingley to have the same support network and opportunities that allowed me to thrive.

For me, community isn't a campaign slogan. I know that the heart of our town is found on our local football pitches, in our classrooms and on our school boards. 

I’ve spent years coaching our local girls’ and boys’ football teams, seeing firsthand how sport builds confidence and keeps our young people engaged. 

My commitment to our children’s future led me to serve as a governor at a local primary school, where I have been a tireless champion for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

In our local secondary schools, I’ve worked as a teacher, witnessing the incredible talent we have in Bingley and the hurdles both our teachers and local families face every day.

Since October, my team and I have walked the streets of our new ward, from Eldwick and Gilstead to Micklethwaite, Crossflatts and central Bingley. We’ve spoken to well over 1,000 residents.

I haven't just been asking for votes – I’ve also been listening. Whether it’s concerns about the town centre in Myrtle Park or safeguarding in Priestthorpe, your views have directly shaped my priorities. 

If elected on 7 May 2026, I’m ready to hit the ground running with a clear plan for our ward. 

This begins with revitalising our town centre. Our local businesses in central Bingley and the surrounding areas are the lifeblood of our economy. I will work hand in hand with business owners to increase footfall and ensure our high street is a vibrant place to shop, work and visit. We need a Bingley town centre that serves everyone from Swan Avenue to Morton Lane.

Moreover, I’m passionate about increasing the number of opportunities our young people have outside of school hours. Education doesn't end at 3pm. From youth clubs to sports and arts, we must invest in our youth to ensure they have safe, constructive spaces to grow.

Given my background in teaching and school governance, I’ll also ensure that education and safeguarding are at the absolute forefront of the council’s focus. Our children deserve to be safe, supported and inspired, and I will be a loud voice for families who feel their needs aren't being met.

I am proud to be standing alongside councillor Susan Fricker and Jane Elgar. Together, we are a local Labour team that truly understands the unique character of Bingley East.

On Thursday 7 May, the choice you make will determine the direction of our town for years to come.  You have three votes and I am asking you to use them for a team that is rooted in this community. 

I’m not a career politician. I’m a local lad who knows what it’s like to struggle and what it takes to succeed. I’ve spent my life breaking down barriers and now I want to break them down for you. 

Vote for the rose. Vote for your local Labour team. And please, give one of your three votes to Pickles – your local lad who will always put his hometown first.