Meet Me
Rooted in Longridge
I'm a local lad, raised in Longridge, and proud to be standing as your Labour candidate for Lancashire County Council.
I’ve grown up in our community. I went to St Wilfrid’s Primary and St Cecilia’s High School before heading out of town to Runshaw College and Liverpool Hope University, where I studied (and yes, occasionally studied a bit too hard in the students’ union). I’ve always had a passion for public service – I was the student rep at high school, college and university and haven’t really stopped speaking up for people since.
My journey in community service started from an early age. I practically grew up in Longridge Youth Club – the youth workers there were like a second family, and I owe them a lot. That place gave me confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging. It breaks my heart to see it barely open these days, knowing how much it gave to young people like me.
I got stuck in from being a teenager, joining the Ribble Valley Youth Council and taking on my first community project: helping to get the “Welcome to Longridge” stone installed on the way into town. It might seem like a small thing, but it was my first real taste of rolling up my sleeves and making something happen for the area I love. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Experience You Can Trust
Before stepping into politics, I ran a successful performing arts business – until the pandemic came along and rewrote the script. Like many, I had to adapt. That experience made me even more determined to stand up for local people, especially when times are tough.
One of the most eye-opening and humbling roles I’ve had was working at Nightsafe, a homelessness charity in Blackburn. Supporting young people in crisis, many with nowhere else to turn, gave me a deeper understanding of just how vital safe housing and support services are. It wasn’t always easy – in fact, it was often heartbreaking – but it taught me the importance of listening without judgement and fighting for those who’ve been left behind. That experience still shapes the way I approach politics and public service today.
Closer to home, I’m a proud co-founder and Trustee of Longridge Community Action (LCA). What began as a creative project to bring a bit more colour and community spirit to Longridge has grown into something with real reach. In the past, we’ve successfully secured funding to keep the youth club open more often – something very close to my heart – and helped establish a Longridge Youth Council, giving young people a platform to be heard. We've also supported the launch of Longridge Men’s Shed, providing a safe and social space for men to meet, share skills, and look out for one another. At its heart, LCA is about building community – through creativity, collaboration, and care.
I also know what it’s like to stand up when it would be easier to stay quiet. During a particularly tough time at work, I stepped up to become a union rep – not because it was convenient, but because it was the right thing to do. I stood by my colleagues, made our case, and helped make sure people were treated fairly. It was a proper little saga, but it reminded me that when people stick together and fight for what's right, they can make a real difference.
These days, I work for a Member of Parliament, where I’ve gained valuable insight into how decisions are made and how to fight for the people they affect. I also serve as a Longridge Town Councillor and a Borough Councillor for the Derby and Thornley ward in Longridge, where I’ve built a track record of getting things done – from chasing up pothole repairs to supporting residents through tricky council processes.
My focus is always on practical, people-first politics. I believe in rolling up my sleeves (sometimes literally), listening to what matters to residents, and doing the graft – no empty promises, just real work for our communities.
A Familiar Face, A Local Voice
When I’m not out knocking on doors or in council meetings, you’ll probably find me roaming the fells of the Trough of Bowland – usually getting lost but enjoying every minute of it. I also probably spend too much time in pubs, but in my defence, it’s hard not to when (in my opinion) Longridge with Bowland has some of the best pubs in the country. Add in a good pub quiz, a walk with friends, or a brew in one of our brilliant local cafés, and you’ve pretty much got my ideal weekend.
What drives me is simple: I care about where we live. I know how amazing our towns, villages and countryside are, and I believe local government should work for everyone, not just a few. Whether it’s fighting for better roads, protecting services, or backing support for children with SEND, I’ll always put our area first.
I pride myself on being a Councillor who’s local, approachable, and not afraid to roll their sleeves up. And if I ever take myself too seriously – don’t worry, there’s usually someone nearby to remind me where I came from.