I have been involved in local politics since 2011 when I became a Whitby Town Councillor. I was then elected as a Borough Councillor in 2015. I became involved primarily because I wanted a way to serve my community. Indeed, service is something I hold dear and why I joined the Royal Navy after leaving school.
I grew up and was schooled in Whitby. And apart from my years in the Royal Navy, I have always lived here. Indeed, some of my residents recognise me as their postman as I currently work for Royal Mail.
In addition to my work as a Councillor, I am very active in the community. I organise Whitby Armed Forces Day, Remembrance Sunday and the Whitby Christmas Festival. I chair the Town Deal steering group for the Whitby Maritime Academy. We have been awarded ten million pounds from government to build and develop the training hub which will employ and train local people for the next 50 years. A much-needed boost for our local economy and the lives of young people. I am also a passionate supporter of preserving our areas natural beauty.
As Chair of the Borough Council’s carbon zero task and finish group. I oversaw and contributed to the Borough’s policy on reaching net zero by 2030.