About Me

When I was born, my parents brought me home to Green Close in Broadwater. I grew up in Stevenage and went to Roebuck and Camps Hill primary schools, before moving on to Stevenage Girls’ Grammar. After leaving school I worked at British Aerospace and John Lewis in Gunnels Wood, before going to work for Hertfordshire Constabulary. I have raised my three children, Anna, David and Alice, in Stevenage and I am really looking forward to next February, when my first grandchild will be born at the Lister.

I was first elected as a Symonds Green councillor on Stevenage Borough Council in May 1997 and in 2000 I was made an executive councillor with responsibility for Resources. In 2004 I was elected by my fellow Stevenage Labour councillors as Deputy Leader of the council. In 2006, I then succeeded Brian Hall as Leader of Stevenage Borough Council. I joined Hertfordshire County Council in 2007, representing Bedwell and Pin Green. Following the local elections in 2009, I became leader of the Labour group on Hertfordshire County Council.

Aside from my elected responsibilities, I play an active part in our local community. I have served as a school governor at Collenswood and Woolenwick schools. I previously ran the Symonds Green Girls’ Brigade company for five years and I am a founding trustee of a local educational opportunities charity called The Betty Game Trust.

I am a proud member of the Co-operative Party and of Unison – The Public Service Trade Union.