I was born in Coventry and came to London to go to university. With a BA(Hons) in Maths and Management Studies, I have worked in business to business marketing communications for companies as diverse as waste management, IT and recruitment.

After moving around South West London, I settled in Surbiton in 1998 and now have two young daughters and work part-time for the local MP, Edward Davey.

‘1p in the pound for education’ was what first attracted me to the Lib Dems, when I was at university. Over the years, it has been the Liberal Democrat policies that I felt most reflected what is important to me. I joined the party in 2001 and quickly became involved in local campaigning. I knew there were many things that needed to be done to improve central Surbiton. I was a commuter from Surbiton Station, user of the local facilities and a resident in St Mark’s Ward when I decided to stand in 2002.

Over the last 8 years many things have changed – I bought a house in Berrylands, have 2 children, work part-time locally rather than commuting and I’m a Councillor. But I still believe that the Lib Dems have the best policies to improve Surbiton, Kingston Borough and the UK.

On Kingston Council I have taken various roles in addition to my ward duties: 2004-2008 – Executive member for Environment; 2006-present – Vice-chair of Licensing Committee; 2009-present – Deputy Leader of the Council.