Throughout my life, I have been driven by three things:
- Building a future for my family;
- Creating the best and most sustainable places for people to call their home, and
- Campaigning for reform to deliver impact.
Family Background
I was brought up in Hertfordshire where I went to school, worked, brought up my own family and served on the local town and Borough Councils. I have three (adult) children and two dogs, Rosie and Oscar. I currently live in North London with my partner and of course, Rosie and Oscar.
Professional Background
I am a Planning/Property solicitor (non-practising) with a masters qualification in Spatial Planning from UCL. I currently run Planning Futures, which is an organisation that promotes excellence in Town and Country planning.
I have worked within the Planning, Property and Housing sectors throughout my professional life and I am passionate about creating places we are proud to live in. I will always champion well designed, sustainable development in our towns, cities and rural areas so that it improves our quality of life – providing much needed homes, jobs and green spaces to enjoy. I will also always stand up against inappropriate development, whether that be in the Green Belt, on farmland or will harm a listed building.
Political Background
I am a lifelong proud Conservative and a highly experienced campaigner who has lead numerous local and national campaigns for the Conservative Party.
I was a local Councillor on Hertsmere Borough Council for 9 years having won my elections in 2004, 2008 (in this year winning with the highest majority ever for the Conservatives in my ward) and 2012 (I stood down in 2013 following my selection as a Parliamentary Candidate) . In 2007 I was elected to Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, where I served as its Leader for 18 months.
I was the first selected candidate for the 2015 General Election, where I was given the privilege to fight Harrow West (which I also fought in the snap 2017 election). In 2015 we attained a 5.4% swing to the Conservatives -one of the only seats in London to get a Labour to Conservative swing - bringing the best result for the Party in Harrow West since 1992. The snap election in 2017 was a valuable experience in campaigning at short notice!
In 2015, I became the first "elected" Voluntary Director of the Conservative Policy Forum (CPF) and when I completed my tenure, membership of the CPF had increased by 30%.
I am currently a campaigner for Gambling reform, having been an affected other, fighting for changes to gambling regulation, and accessibility to gambling treatment and help for the most severely addicted and their families.
Voluntary and community work
I have served on several Boards – Elstree Film Studios, a local housing association and two school Boards. From each I gained experience in governance and strategic direction.
Annually, I give a guest lecture to MSc students at UCL on Politics in Planning, the local councillor’s perspective” which includes an explanation as to the importance of the Nolan Principles which I believe are fundamental for anyone in public service.
I am a proud member of the British Film Institute, an opera and Abba fan, enjoy cycling and spending time with my two dogs Rosie and Oscar.