I have been a member of the Labour party since 2016 and active in the local CLP since the middle of 2019. I gave up my full-time job back in 2014 to care for my disabled wife and son volunteering with the Newquay Food Bank but had to step away in March 2020 due to my wife’s health conditions.
In May 2021, I decided to run for Cornwall Council election in 2021. I felt let down by the local council when it comes to housing for low-income families and families with disabilities who often find themselves having to rent from unsecured private landlords. While I was unsuccessful in that, I am proud to be on St Columb Major Town Council and to be able to continue to work to improve conditions for the local community.
As we emerge from the restrictions of this pandemic and the furlough scheme winds down, I feel the true numbers of unemployment are going to show themselves. In terms of employment in Cornwall, the hospitality sector is a large part of the local economy and this will be hit the most as it will be one of the last sectors able to get back to normal due to the restrictions of COVID-19, however we are ideally placed to create new green jobs.
I feel strongly that there should be more council homes for local people, more security in rented accommodation, more restrictions on second homes as well as de-carbonizing the county and moving us towards a greener future not just for ourselves but our children and grandchildren.