I have been a local Parish Councillor since 2006 and have represented Brading and St Helens as an elected member of the Isle of Wight Council between 2009 – 2017 and since 2021.
I attended school on the Island and subsequently studied law in London and Oxford. I qualified in 1989 as a Criminal Barrister. I moved on to teach law at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Since ceasing my legal practice I have owned and run holiday accommodation on the Island and I currently co-own and run a Record and Music Shop in Newport as well as being involved in a number of heritage and culture projects and Trusteeships.
My work commitments are flexible so I am always able to make time for my duties as a Councillor. I always ensure I am readily contactable and I always reply to any communications I receive.
I am the only local candidate in the Brading and St Helens ward.
I promise to put my residents first and to continue to do my best to deal with any issues and problems people bring to me. I will not take on any role that might compromise my ability to do so and I will not make hollow promises to achieve things just to secure your support.
There may be some local apathy because some parties are not standing in the ward. However it is vitally important for people to vote to get a result you are happy with rather than running the risk of having someone who has no interest in the ward getting elected.