I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected to stand as a Labour candidate for Benwell and Scotswood in the upcoming May elections.

I have lived in the area for many, many years; I grew up here and raised my family here. I work for a local housing provider, Home Group, where I manage Older People Properties.  Previously, I worked as a care worker for the city council.  I have extensive experience in working with excluded young people and homeless young people. I have also worked in a women’s refuge and supported women escaping domestic violence.

I am an active member of my trade union UNISON and have experience in representing staff in the workplace.

If given the honour of being elected as your Councillor,  I will bring all my experience to help me to work hard for the people of Benwell of Scotswood.

A special thanks must be given to Jeremy Beecham for his 55 years of service to the area and I wish him well in his retirement.  He will be a very hard act to follow.

I’m looking forward to working with Hazel, Rob. Use all your votes for labour to  return two Labour Councillor’s in May