Standing Up

 Why I am standing as a candidate in this year’s local elections

I have lived in and around Vesey for most of the last 20 years.  My parents live in Vesey, as do my brother and his family.  After my wife and I married, we bought a flat in Four Oaks, but as our family grew we started looking for a house.  Of all the areas we considered Boldmere stood out.  It offered excellent schools, proximity to Sutton Park and Wyndley Leisure centre, one of the finest independent high streets in Birmingham, a fine selection of Balti restaurants and conveniently located grandparents.

I value the things that make Sutton such a great place to live, but don’t take them for granted, so have always tried to be an active member of my local community.  I am a Governor and enthusiastic PTA member at my daughter’s school, Boldmere Juniors; I am Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for my stretch of Jockey Rd and active in the local Neighbourhood Forum.  I have worked with Cllr Rob Pocock on his Young Political Summer Intern program and am working on a Young Families Forum to better represent the interests of busy families.

I do not see myself as simply another local area rep for a national political franchise. My values have been informed by Labour values but I stand to represent all my fellow citizens who are also my neighbours, friends, family.  I have a direct stake in Vesey’s future – I live here, my children go to school here, my barber’s here, my butcher’s here ….. I have even been known to have a pint (or two)here.  My wellbeing is entwined with the wellbeing of Vesey and all its stakeholders.