I was born and have lived in Watford all my life. I love the town dearly and could not be more proud and honoured to serve its people - my people - on the council.

I went to Garston Infants and Lea Farm schools (before the days of Berry Grove), where a lad called Femi Joshua in my sister’s class used to win all the sports days. Not sure what happened to him, but I heard a rumour he’s heavyweight champion of the world now.

I went on to Queens’ School in Bushey and then to the University of York before coming home in 2010.

I first stood for election in Woodside, the ward in which I was christened (at All Saints Church), in 2013. The leisure centre, playing fields and other facilities have been a part of my life since I was a child. I am determined to take good care of them all. It’s a bit surreal taking decisions on the future of a place with so many personal memories and connections - but also a privilege not afforded to too many people I would imagine.

I am delighted that I’ve been able to help many residents with issues around housing, parking, planning and more. A particular highlight of my time on the council has been joining the Community Safety partnership, working with local police and other services to safeguard people and their property against crime and anti-social behaviour, fight homelessness and protect our community.

My Dad and I have got season tickets at Watford FC, whose rise to the top level of English football in recent years has coincided with our town’s growing reputation as a place to do business, shop, socialise, raise a family and more. Watford is a premier league player on the pitch now, and our job as a council is to ensure we stay one off of it too. I will do all I can to make sure we keep attracting investment and going from strength to strength.

I also can’t speak highly enough of the football club’s engagement with local families and its actions off the pitch - a legacy beyond football of its greatest ever manager Graham Taylor.

So Woodside residents - please get in touch if there’s anything my colleagues and I can help with. I can’t promise to solve every problem, but I do promise to do my absolute best for our area.