I’ve lived in Herefordshire for over 20 years, on a small organic farm at Canon Frome. My sons grew up here, attending local schools and playing for 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. I am a lecturer in the International Development Department at the University of Birmingham – though I am currently taking unpaid leave from that role in order to focus on politics.

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, ECHO Herefordshire, and NYAS; and treasurer of a housing association.

Having previously served as cabinet member for Environment and Economy, I am now the Chairperson of the Connected Communities Committee – a role which involves scrutinising the council’s work on areas broadly related to economic development.  This connects with a wide range of topics that have long been close to my heart, including housing, transport, planning and land use, skills development, 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 protecting nature in our beautiful county.