I was born and bred in St Annes (at the former St Annes Memorial Hospital), attending Heyhouses and Queen Mary Schools. I am married with two grown-up children and I live in the Ward. I am a qualified solicitor and have spent many years practising family law. I now teach post-graduate law students at the University of Central Lancashire as a senior lecturer. I also head up the Law Clinic which offers free legal advice to the public.
I was first elected to Fylde Borough Council in 2007 in the former St Leonard’s Ward and since then have taken a primary role in the financial portfolio leading to a debt free, financially robust council with investments targeted to improve Fylde for its residents.
In 2020 I was elected Leader of the Council and oversaw grant aid to businesses, charities and community groups as well as delivering support for individuals to help them through the pandemic.
I am proud to have helped provide new play equipment at Frobisher Drive, additional bus shelters and traffic islands, flood prevention measures at Kilgrimol Guide Hut and renewed fencing along the railway line.
Alongside this I have organised extra planting of trees and bulbs to enhance the local environment. I have helped to secure investment in Blackpool North Road Playing fields, resulting in a superb accessible play area for local children.
I represent Fylde Council at the Lancashire Leaders Group ensuring opportunities for economic growth and greater prosperity come to Fylde. I am also a director of Growth Lancashire Limited, and the lead member on Lancashire’s Employment and Skills panel looking at attracting new businesses to the area.
It would be a privilege to continue to serve on the Council as your elected representative.