A Voice for Everyone
I was elected as a South Norfolk District Councillor for the Harleston Ward in the 2023.
There are soon to be elections to Norfolk County Council. Martin Wilby who is much respected, will be stepping down after many years public service.
I am standing as the Conservative candidate at the elections on Thursday 7 May to represent the people of East Depwade. I will try to fill the very big hole left by Martin.
There has been lots of uncertainty and noise surrounding local elections. A mayor for a new strategic authority for the whole of Norfolk and Suffolk, and replacing the District and County Councils with new Unitary Authorities.
I understand that most people have switched off, they dont care about these things, they just want representatives who will listen and do exactly what is says on the tin 'represent' them.
I believe that I have done that as your Councillor within South Norfolk Council. I have listened to your views and opinions. I have taken action where I can and above all I have represented the people of our Ward.
I now wish to represent you at a Norfolk County Council level.
Residents with the East Depwade Division should soon receive a survey form me asking your views. These really will make a difference. Your voice does matter. Please do fill it in. I would love to hear from you.
My role with the District Council has given me an insight to the working of a local authority.
I am the Chair of the Environment Committee, and Vice Chair of the Finance Committee.
I also sit on the Development Management Committee, Scrutiny Committee, and Standards Committee.
Externally, I represent South Norfolk Council on the Norfolk Museums Committee.
I try to represent the people of the Harleston Ward to the best of my ability.
Some things where I have been able to help are very noticeable such as the new 'Magpies Meadow' conservation area.
Others may not hit the headlines but I have always been on your side.
Helping protect our heritage assets from unsightly changes, and our environment from unauthorised water discharge. Providing funding for local projects, and even helping to arrange a pet passport for someone returning to their home overseas.
Above all, being a voice for local people, and representing their interests in the best way I can.
Local Involvement
Outside of my South Norfolk Councillor role I hep with some local groups.
In 2025 I was appointed as a Trustee and Treasurer of Harleston Information Plus, the main community support group in Harleston.
I have been a Committee member of the Harleston and District Historical Society and have led the Harleston Heritage Open days programme since 2024.
I am a director of Harleston Greenspace CIC which is delivering a nature conservation area with Harleston.
Prior to serving as a District Councillor I was the Chair of Redenhall with Harleston Town Council from 2020-2023 during which we were able to deliver many initiatives.
Prior to serving as a District Councillor I was the Chair of Redenhall with Harleston Town Council from 2020-2023 during which we were able to deliver many initiatives.
A Neighbourhood Plan which not only gave the town a greater say in the design of new homes, but increased the element of s106 money received by the Town Council from 15% to 25%. This is a significant document given the large number of homes to be built.
A new and more transparent Town Council website, with published quarterly financial results. The aim was to work towards a star rating in transparency.
The Visit Harleston tourism brand and website.
Team Harleston as a collective way of our local groups working together.
The redesign of the town centre.
Radio interviews on local radio.
Grant Awards
Members Ward Funding
Each South Norfolk District Councillor has an annual budget of £1,000 to spend on projects within their ward. This is how I have used my allocation:
Community Action Fund
There will be many community initiatives which will require larger amounts of funding. The Community Action Fund (CAF) is provided to support and fund these initiatives. Local District Councillors are responsible for considering and proposing applications between £1,000 and £15,000 from the CAF fund. These are my successful applications:
Monthly Updates
I write a monthly article for the local Grapevine magazine. Here are the artciles: