I have lived in Norfolk since 2006 when I moved here to study at UEA graduating with an MA in International relations in 2010 at the height of the last recession. Unable to find graduate work I took numerous precarious zero hours contracts for over a year before I was fortunate enough to secure a job as a teaching assistant supporting vulnerable students with special educational needs. This experience inspired me to train as a teacher to help other young people avoid leaving education in the directionless manner I had.  After returning to UEA for a PGCE in 2012 I began working at Thorpe St Andrew High school teaching history and politics where I remain today. These experiences are part of the reason for my ambition to become a councillor in order to give something back to a community which has given me so much and to help it deliver the essential public services such opportunities are built upon.

As a teacher I have benefitted personally and professionally from the support and opportunities offered to me by being an active trade unionist.  Since 2015 I have been my schools work place representative another experience which has led me towards standing for public office. I am proud to represent my colleagues and help them resolve issues constructively with our employer as well as being able to influence our multi academy trust to maintain the highest standards in recognition that “teachers learning conditions are children’s learning conditions”. We all can achieve more together than alone and as a councillor I would seek to always honour this principle in the service of the wider community by working to make the council an active and supportive partner in the lives of all.