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I was born and raised in the Great Sutton area of Ellesmere Port, where I have lived for most of my life.

I first became interested in politics as a child when the triumph and tragedy of the Kennedy family captured my imagination. I joined the Labour party in my mid-twenties but only became actively involved in 1992. It was my work in my local community, which led me to become a councillor in 1998, first as a ward councillor on the borough, and in 2001, a county councillor.

As well as having children ranging from 7 to 25 of my own, I have just become a grandmother for the first time, and it is natural for children and young people’s interests to be close to my heart.

I worked as a voluntary youth worker and part-time for Cheshire County Council before entering politics. I am now Labour spokesperson for Children’s Services and chair the scrutiny panel for children and young people.

I have served on the Adoption panel and have recently joined the Fostering panel. I am also committed to the NHS and health promotion.

I believe in empowering people and building strong communities where everyone, from the smallest child to the oldest person, feels safe and able to live their lives to the fullest potential.