I live with my family on a small organic farm at Canon Frome. My sons attend John Masefield High School and Hartpury College, and play for several local sports teams.

I spent 20 years working for charities and in higher education, including running health programmes for Christian Aid, co-ordinating a group of MPs in Parliament, tackling fuel poverty in East London, and supporting peace-building in Northern Uganda. 

I have a PhD in international development, and I’ve worked at the Universities of Birmingham, Sheffield, and Bath. In addition to my cabinet role, I work part-time as a lecturer in the International Development Department at the University of Birmingham.

From July 2019 to January 2020 I served as the first ever Green MEP for the West Midlands.

Locally, I’ve been a primary school governor, a volunteer with HomeStart and ECHO Herefordshire, and treasurer of a housing association.

My cabinet portfolio (Environment, Economy and Skills) connects with a wide range of topics that have long been close to my heart, including housing, transport, land use, and job creation. I see my role as being about supporting a thriving, sustainable local economy that creates opportunities for everyone & reduces inequalities. At the same time I’m deeply committed to reducing carbon emissions and maximising wildlife in our beautiful county. I’m delighted to be part of this cross-party coalition administration which is helping put Herefordshire on track for a brighter future with sustainability at its heart!