I have lived in Essex since 1999 and I am happily married to Mark and Dog Daddy to Lotti, our crazy dalmatian.

Growing up in Liverpool in the 1980's in a one parent family during the Thatcher years was tough. Despite the horrendous government of the day and the financial challenges we faced, my Mum set me on the right path and made sure I had every opportunity to get on in life.

There is no doubt that my Labour values today are firmly rooted in my working class upbringing.

I finished my education and entered the world of work near the start of the last Labour Government. The opportunities available to me then were vastly different to those facing our young people and our country today.

I know the difference a Labour Government can make and right now we need this new Government more than ever.

My deep passion in life is fighting for equality and inclusion for the many in our society, challenging injustice and enabling people to thrive. I have a proven track record of making a difference for people’s lives.

Since being elected as your MP, I have been fighting for the residents of Southend West & Leigh so they have the opportunities to access the services and support they need to live a healthier, happier and fairer lives.

A RECORD OF DELIVERY

TRACK RECORD OF SUCCEEDING

Elected as Councillor for St. Martin’s Ward in 2016
Served as Deputy Group Leader, Deputy Mayor and Mayor
Consistently one of the highest performing Councillors in terms of casework completed for my residents
Elected Member of Parliament for Southend West and Leigh in July 2024 - the first ever Labour MP for this constituency!

DELIVERING FOR YOU

Won a campaign to save a GP Surgery in my ward twice!
Ran a campaign which significantly reduced the scourge of dumped shopping trollies across the area
Campaigned and succeeded to get a full parking scheme installed across a new estate, on a road that was quickly becoming extremely dangerous

STANDING UP IN PARLIAMENT

Founder of Basildon Pride
Founder of 2 local Resident Association’s - both are flourishing
Established Side by Side as a positive response to the murder of George Floyd, creating a local movement for change
Founder and Patron of More in Common Basildon Borough, now part of the Jo Cox Foundation
Primary School Governor
Until recently I was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group, acting as a critical friend to Essex Police
Small business owner and well known in the South Essex Business Community

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Founder of Basildon Pride
Founder of 2 local Resident Association’s - both are flourishing
Established Side by Side as a positive response to the murder of George Floyd, creating a local movement for change
Founder and Patron of More in Common Basildon Borough, now part of the Jo Cox Foundation
Primary School Governor
Until recently I was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group, acting as a critical friend to Essex Police
Small business owner and well known in the South Essex Business Community