It’s been a great privilege to be a Labour Councillor, representing the people of Alexandra Ward, since first being elected to Oldham Council in May 2011. During those twelve years, I’ve worked hard with my ward colleagues and members of the community to improve the environment, support residents with issues and improve educational outcomes.

As well as working hard on local ward issues, I’ve served the borough in various roles including:

Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and People Services
Cabinet Member for Commissioning
Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care
Cabinet Member for Adult Safeguarding and Children’s Services
Chair of Health and Wellbeing Board
Policy Overview and Scrutiny Committee (currently)
Health Scrutiny Committee (currently)
During 2021-22, I had the great honour of being the Mayor of Oldham. The highlight of my year in office was meeting and having the opportunity to thank the huge number of wonderful Oldham volunteers who give so much in time, money, energy and creativity to improve the lives of others.

I’m a very active Vice-chair of Governors at Alexandra Park Junior School, a member of the Co- Operative Party and a retired member of the National Education Union (NUT Section).

I also worked in social care with National Children’s Home during the 1980s, as a residential social worker and a family key worker at a family centre.

I’m a proud mum of four, a grandma of six and have lived in Oldham most of my adult life. I taught in several Oldham schools before retiring from Roundthorn Primary School in 2006 and moving on to support work at a primary school in Rochdale.