I’m a councillor in the New Forest and a lifelong Hampshire resident. I live in social housing, grew up working on the family market stall, and was the first of my family to go to university. I know what it’s like to struggle. I’ve got a track record of delivery as a councillor and I want to get a fair deal for every community. Homes people can afford. Transport that is quick and reliable. Well-paying jobs across the region. I’ll be a Mayor who fights for the people at the bottom, not the people at the top. If you agree, come and support my campaign.

1. Have you ever been a member of another political party?
   • No. My dad used to take me around in my buggy delivering focus leaflets so I think it must be in my blood.
2. With which Lib Dem policies do you disagree?
   • I think we could go be more ambitious on affordable housing. For many, affordable housing isn’t actually affordable. We should be more ambitious about building social housing.
3. Can you explain, if selected, how you would seek to negate the public
   • Her record is her weakness: she closed police stations, sold them off, and has stoked fear instead of keeping people safe. I’ll contrast her divisive politics with my record of delivery and our offer of real community policing.
4. If selected, what are your plans to raise funds to finance your campaign?  Given your busy work commitments, how much time do you expect to be able to devote to campaign activities, like canvassing, attending events and fundraising?
   • I’m very pleased we have workers rights because I’ll be using a fair bit of holiday! I’ve had pledges of funds from donors and I’m hoping that, combined with the money we’ll get in during the campaign, that will help us fund a winning campaign.
5. How do you propose to keep abreast of county-wide issues and in particular for those rural communities that often feel “left out”.  What are your communication strategies especially for these areas?
   • I come from the New Forest so I know what it’s like for rural areas. I have a strong digital presence and this will be crucial to reach isolated areas.
6. What do you feel are the most pressing challenges for Hampshire to improve climate resilience, reduce carbon emissions and create green jobs?
   • The biggest challenge is the sheer size of the region. But, coming from a coastal town, I’m a big believer in marine and green technology industry to power growth.
7. One of the biggest issues of the mayoral election will be immigration.  Although the issue will be more concentrated in cities, it is gaining traction in the more rural areas and affects the whole of Hampshire.  Your Reform, Conservative and possibly Labour opponents will be anti-immigration.  How will you come out in front of the issue and be proactive about communicating your position?  What will your position be?
   • We have an aging population and need immigration. I’ll confront the scaremongering head-on with a positive vision for an economy that works for all and an immigration system that is controlled but fair.
8. Trans people have faced years of attacks from the right-wing press and politicians, culminating in April’s Supreme Court ruling that strips trans women from the legal definition of women.  This was a historic roll-back of rights.  Will you commit to day to standing up for trans people at every reasonable opportunity, and to fighting for real equality for all genders?
   • Yes, I will stand up for trans people. Everyone deserves dignity and respect. As Mayor I’ll ensure services are inclusive, tackle hate crime, and make clear this campaign is about hope for every community, not division.
9. Given the Mayor will need to work closely with the future unitary authorities, do you have a preference for the arrangement of the new unitary authorities in Hampshire?
   • It’s not my place to tell local areas what is best for them. I’ll work with the emerging authorities to ensure their governance structure ensures local voices are not silenced. That’s key to getting a fair deal for every community.
10. What would be your priority in the first 100 days as Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent? Why is this period important?
    • The first 100 days are about setting a direction. My first 100 days will focus on ensuring my key priorities of housing, transport, and jobs are put at the heart of the new mayoral authority.
11. The Isle of Wight have a problem with ferries and the floating bridge.  How would you deal with this situation?
    • I come from Lymington. We have one of the most expensive ferry crossings in the world to Yarmouth. I’m not interested in gimmicks. I want to work with Wightlink and Red Funnel to bring ferry tickets down - including the possibility of subsidy.
12. What opportunities do you see for the Mayor to bring real improvements to the public transport network, not only roads, but paths, and disjointed and uncoordinated cycle routes across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight?
    • In terms of cycling and walking infrastructure, I’ll work with local councils to make sure they have up-to-date infrastructure plans and I’ll focus on establishing a joined-up transport system.
13. How do you propose to build new homes and complete new GP services/schools and other facilities and infrastructure going forward?
    • We need truly affordable homes. I’ll set up a mayoral development company to identify sites and build the affordable homes we need alongside improved infrastructure like GPs and schools. 

Summary of closing statement:

You’ve heard my priorities: housing, transport, jobs. This election will be a 3-way fight between us, the tories and reform. If the tories or reform win, we will have more division and they won’t fix any of the problems. If we win, we can prove that the politics of hope defeats the politics of fear and get a mayor who knows what it’s like to struggle. I know how to win but I need your help. Back my campaign. Let’s get a fair deal for every community.