I have been a councillor since 1990. I served on a number of different committees, including Education, Economic services, Environmental services and equal opportunities.

I am a Trustee and Vice chair of Tameside Home Start, Board member of Sure Start Hattersley. Involved in a number of different committees in Hattersley to look at the regeneration of the area.

School governor at Godley Primary, Hyde Technology School and Tameside College.

I have represented the people of Godley as well as all the people of Hyde since May 2000 as Chair of Hyde District Assembly.

The Godley councillors work together as a great team, and I am proud of our many achievements, which include the building of the new Alder Community High School, of which I am chair of governors, and the new primary schools in Godley.

By profession I am a musician and teacher, and I have been a union member for over 30 years. I joined the Labour Party over 8 years ago and I have served as a Magistrate on the Tameside Bench since 1999.

As a local councillor for the past ten years, born and bred in Hyde, I have been actively involved in community issues.

By being readily available to my constituents and attending regular surgeries, serving on various committees/ panels and being present at residents meetings, I aim to advise and resolve matters in the best interests of all concerned.

In my capacity as Cabinet Deputy for Lifelong Learning I have responsibility for  Education and Cultural Services.