I came forward for the May County Council elections in 2017 because the timing for me was right. For the first time in my life I had no one to care for. My husband had died; my children were married and living away so I was not in a position to be a regular, hands on grandmother. I have been a Labour Party member most of my adult life and had regularly found myself campaigning on many issues.

The Exeter divisions for Devon County Council were up for selection and the woman’s officer of the Exeter Labour Party encouraged me to stand. She gave me good advice and eased me through the process.

I attended a selection panel and then the branch meeting of the Division I was interested in representing. I gave my presentation and was selected. It was fairly straightforward.

I found it difficult to keep my presentation to time and get across what I felt they ought to know so as to encourage them to select me.

Not sure it should be easier! It was straightforward but challenging, which is no bad thing and good preparation for the future.

The people involved in the process where friendly and positive both the initial panel selecting me as a candidate and the branch who eventually chose me.

Branch members came canvassing with me. They were very helpful in inducting me and I enjoyed the experience (mostly: except when it rained) meeting my prospective constituents. It was a great thrill to be elected by them.

The election count was one of the most nerve wracking experiences of my life but exhilarating when I realised I had been elected.

I found the whole process a positive one and am happy with the way it was conducted.

There were 6 of us standing who were all newly selected candidates and all women. We were very supportive of each other.

I am enjoying doing the job of Councillor. It feels as if I am adding social value, supporting my constituents in the community and engaging in making a difference at local level in the area of health, social care and well being.

As a woman I want to encourage more women to stand as councillors, to help them build up the confidence to see that they have the skills to do it, mentoring them to take that step.