I spent 40 years working in environmental research and the energy sector, latterly as Director of Strategic Development for an energy regulatory authority. Now I am a carer for my wife and try to support my adopted children and granddaughter.

Trust in politics is low. To rebuild we must take the right decisions and in the right way, to demonstrate to people, especially younger people, that we care about them, not ourselves. Labour’s support for the pump bike track in Battenhall Park and our broad ranging economic policies both reflect that.

I want to help Worcester grow and diversify, attracting industries such as clean energy and the creative sector, that other parts of Britain already benefit from. This would bring better paid jobs and better opportunities for all and raise our prosperity long term. Only Labour has a credible plan to do this and will bring the change we need.

Promoting pump tracks, tackling lack of social housing, getting roads resurfaced, saving trees and campaigning for better public transport – I have worked hard to make local government and the Battenhall community work well.

I believe the council must use its limited but precious resources to help people in Battenhall cope with the cost-of-living crisis.  Young children need play areas and safe routes to school.  People need job opportunities, healthy parks, freedom from air pollution and a better deal from water companies who have failed to stop sewage pumping into our rivers and our streets.

The election of all 35 councillors for the first time gives an opportunity to rid us of short-term thinking, horse trading and shaky coalitions. The election gives you the chance to elect a Labour council with four years to carry out well-thought out policies to benefit everyone in Battenhall and Worcester.