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I was elected to Cheshire County Council in February 1984. Previously I was a Crewe and Nantwich Borough Councillor from 1976 to 1979.  Over the years I have developed a wide understanding of the needs, aspirations, and problems of people in the areas I represent. I stood for election because I wanted to give something back to a society which gave me so many benefits and opportunities. I thought that as a Labour County Councillor I could help to create the conditions and provide services which would enable others to benefit as I have done.

I was educated in Birmingham before National Service in the army, most of which I spent in Korea and Japan. I later went to University, graduating with a first, and a higher degree. I became a teacher, and worked in schools, and teacher training, before retiring from Staffordshire University as a Principal Lecturer in Sociology.

At County Hall I have been in both government and opposition. From 1998 to 2001 I was Chairman of the County Council. I am now Labour’s spokesperson for finance and resources, and also for Performance and Overview Committee. I chair the Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee. I am also a member of the Waste, and Pensions Panels. In the past I have served on both Education and Social Services Committees at County and local levels. I was also the non-executive Chair of 3C Waste Ltd for 6 years.

In Crewe I am a member of the Local Strategic Partnership, Chair of the Community Sports Network, and Chair of the SureStart Management Committee. Until 2005 I was Vice Chair of the Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust. I have also served on school governing bodies, one as chair for 15 years.

I am a member of the North West Regional Sports Board, and, previously, was its Chair for 7 years. I am also Vice Chair of the Cheshire Sports Trust, and Chair of the Cheshire FA Local Football Partnership.

In 2006 I was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant for Cheshire.

I believe that local government has a very important role to play in the community. Its services should be efficient, of top quality, giving good value to taxpayers and all the residents of Cheshire. I will continue to work to achieve those goals.