What is your backstory?
I was born and raised in Hartlepool and I’m now 27 years old. I’m a law student at Northumbria University and hope to be a barrister. I am due to start work with the Ministry of Justice and I’m already a qualified legal secretary and life coach.
In Hartlepool I have seen challenges over issues such as the cost of living, the absence of opportunity, and my background has shaped how I see these issues, including caring about my community. I want to make sure that people don’t get left behind.
I’m not a career politician. In fact, until four months ago, I was not interested in politics. However, if everyone thinks that way, nothing will ever change. I want to show people it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can be proud of your roots and make a difference in your community.
We need more young people for there to be a change of values. Being a councillor would be a great chance for me to inspire others to make positive changes and I want to step up and make a difference locally.
The Greens were where I fitted in, with a commitment to communities, fairness and transparency that I share and I was interested in those things.
Why do you want to stand for the council in Hartlepool in May?
I really care about my community and also the history of Hartlepool. I can see the challenges around us and I want to be part of delivering real change. I want to ensure we are praised far and wide as we should be. We have an amazing, rich and inspiring history we want to share. I want to see more politicians that look and sound like me – we should all work together no matter our background.
Should progressives look to work together?
Yes. Everybody should have a voice and see what they want to see. However, it’s so much more beneficial when people agree on things for the common good and build communities. To ensure progress is strong we must become one.
If working together helps to deliver real change in areas that is a good thing. The Greens don’t want to tear another party down, especially the residents of our town.
How do you feel about the issue of proportional representation?
I think that it’s worth consideration as it would make the system fairer and it would make sure that more voices were represented. People don’t always get the help they need with things and there has to be transparency, while in the past things have been hidden from the public.
Should the utilities like water be back in public hands?
I think people are frustrated when essential services don’t feel like they’re working in the public interest. Whether it’s public ownership or stronger regulation, the key thing is accountability, fair pricing, and proper investment. Essential services should serve people first.
That aligns closely with the Green Party of England and Wales view that vital infrastructure like water should prioritise people and the environment over profit.
What would be the best ways for the UK to reach Net Zero?
It has to be practical with things like clean energy and public transport and also bringing people along with us. With no support, nothing will be done. If done properly, it will create jobs, there will be less health problems and let’s not forget that people who work in certain jobs now also suffer because of the nature of those jobs needs to be ambitious but fair.
How should the government deal with the cost of living crisis, especially in the context of the war in the Middle East?
Well, the Green Party wants to stop arming certain countries. In this country we should be supporting people with rising costs of food and energy. We should focus on making our defence stronger and increasing our own national security. Why should ordinary people suffer for something that is not their fault?
In the long term we want energy security with ways developed to ensure energy efficiency. This can lead to more job opportunities in clean energy instead of money being spent on wars – our fuel, goods and everything in-between is increasing.
What are the particular issues in Hartlepool? How do you feel about aspects of Hartlepool’s history – its naval history and also of course the role played by 200 Hartlepool men in the Relief of Belsen?
I will be starting to volunteer for the Lit and Phil in Newcastle and I have applied to be on the Advisory Board of Hartlepool Museums Trust. Hartlepool is a town with a strong identity going back to when there was just a monastery and local people have done a lot of amazing things including being involved in the Relief of Belsen. We are one of the oldest towns in the North – I enjoy our museum as well as all our historical sites around the town. It’s nice to see the traditional aspects of the town compliment the modern additions.
Now we have real challenges. We need more investment job opportunities and to keep places open. We need to combine our heritage with something for the future.
So we also should not be looking for short term fixes to just support people in the town for a short while, but for sustainable long term development of opportunities.
There are so many wonderful things to shout about in our town.
Why should people be proud to be from Hartlepool?
Because of its people. There’s a strong sense of community, resilience, and identity here. Hartlepool has faced challenges, but it’s never lost that spirit. That’s something worth being proud of and something worth building on. We have excellent services that intervene when they are needed. Our community is resilient and unapologetic when we face major challenges.
That community focus is something the Green Party of England and Wales strongly value, empowering local people and strengthening communities.
We can keep our sense of community, going into the future with a strong sense of heritage and identity. We have achieved so much and the increase in public and community initiatives have absolutely skyrocketed over the past few years.
What is your vision for Hartlepool and the North East for 2036?
I want to see a Hartlepool that’s thriving, with better jobs, stronger local businesses, and real opportunities for young people. A place where people don’t feel they have to leave to succeed.
For the North East, it’s about investment, infrastructure, and making sure we’re not left behind. The potential is there, it just needs the right focus and leadership.
With the Green Party of England and Wales, that vision also includes a greener economy, creating sustainable jobs and a healthier environment for future generations.
Why do you want to stand for the council in May?
I’m standing because I genuinely care about Hartlepool and the people here. I see the potential in our town, but also the challenges we face, from investment to opportunities for young people. I don’t just want to talk about change, I want to be part of delivering it locally, where decisions directly affect people’s lives.
Standing with the Green Party of England and Wales also means pushing for long-term, sustainable investment in communities like ours, not just short-term fixes.
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