It has been the greatest honour to represent everybody in Stroud, the Valleys and Vale as your Member of Parliament since 2019. I am now standing as the Conservative Candidate for Stroud in the upcoming 2024 General Election.
We have the best place to live with the most creative and innovative people and businesses.
I sought election in 2019 with clear commitments to champion further education, advocate for Stroud businesses, develop transport links, protect our environment, assist families, improve health and social care and support the police. If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, I will continue to advocate for these.
Personal life
I enjoy living in the Frampton on Severn area. My husband and I adore our energetic daughter, who was born in Gloucester Royal hospital in 2020 (following a lot of help from the Stroud maternity team!) and we welcomed our second child in summer 2022.
Professional life
Growing up in North Yorkshire, I was a free school meal kid, state school educated and I left home very young. After getting a job as a legal secretary I worked my way up to qualify as a solicitor specialising in family law without attending university.
After 17 years in law, I decided to pursue a career in policy and politics. This decision led to work as Head of Policy for a fabulous charity called OnePlusOne who are experts in strengthening relationships. I also served as a ward councillor for the Conservatives and as a School governor.
Political life
The politics of politics and daily dramas in Westminster frustrate me to be honest. I stood for election in 2019 as I believe this job has the power to change lives and get things done and as a candidate once again, I stand by that. I enjoy meeting people, public service and problem solving so the often unseen daily work of an MP is a gift and I truly hope to be able to continue with this.
The global pandemic, war in Ukraine and the subsequent cost of living pressures are of course not something as a new MP I expected to deal with but my team and I worked hard to meet these challenges.
In addition, following local people bringing concerns to me, as your MP I successfully campaigned against anonymous abuse online, changed policy at Legoland to improve access for disabled children, set up a Wetlands APPG with the WWT Slimbridge team, removed daft rules for small businesses in the wedding sector, changed the legislation on pet theft, secured grants for local businesses, raised thousands of pounds to investigate reopening Bristol Road Stonehouse station, ensured the government put Further Education and skills at the heart of its education strategy and secured reforms for the childcare system.
This is however only a small snapshot of some of the things I achieved as the MP for Stroud and I hope to be able to continue this work if re-elected.
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