I wanted to make a difference; I felt that we had no voice in our deeply rural area.

Very.

Nothing much, I was already well known in my community, at the time there wasn’t much of a process, however nowadays we have to sign various forms.

Getting around my area to deliver leaflets, it’s a very large area and very rural.

More help, but I realise it isn’t there. I couldn’t do it without my friends and family.

Friends and family they are amazing.

I don’t, find it highly embarrassing.

Canvassing.

It seems to work; I’ve been re elected a few times.

I will always give 100% to my residents and Devon.

It is harder for women, the children do lose out, my own children are used to it but they have had times when I’m not around for birthdays and special events, I’m out every evening at Parish council meetings so I wasn’t at home to put them to bed when they were younger.

There isn’t one thing I could specify that would make it easier for women, Devon County Council have been very good at paying for childcare and my colleagues from all parties have been very accommodating when I’ve had to bring the children with me.
It is a real shame there aren’t more women standing for election, certainly I would emphasise that the other women who do get elected are in the main very supportive of each other.