Although I was actually born north of the border in Lanark, Scotland, I've lived in Walkden since I was small, and both sides of my family are from the local area - Mum grew up on Birch Road in Walkden and Dad is from Boothstown.
I attended James Brindley Primary School and Walkden High School, before moving on to Eccles College and then the University of York, graduating in 2004 with an honours degree in Politics.
I was elected to serve Walkden South ward in June 2004 and re-elected for a further four-year term in 2007. It is a tremendous honour to serve the community in which I grew up, and I hope I am able to put something back into the area as an elected representative.
I find the most rewarding part of being a local Councillor is being able to help residents and the local community with any issues they have - I consider it my highest priority. I sit on two scrutiny committees - Children's Services and Budget - and I am a director of New Prospect Housing Limited, West Salford's "arms-length" housing management organisation.
I'm also Chair of Governors at Mesne Lea Primary School.
Away from the Council, I am a keen sportsman, with a particular interest in racquet sports. I played representative table-tennis for Lancashire, and play tennis at Ellesmere Sports Club in Worsley. I maintain a keen interest in football and cricket, although mainly in an armchair capacity!
