Through my volunteering work I have seen so many local people finding it difficult to cope. I want to strengthen services and communities so everyone can feel supported – so they can access what they need when they need it and no one feels isolated. Everyone should be enabled to be confident and to have high self-esteem. I feel I can make a difference and use my experiences I have had through bringing up a family, teaching, being a Chair of Governors and doing voluntary work. I have more time now that my children have reached adulthood so I can devote time to being a councillor. I was encouraged to stand by family, friends and the local Labour Party.

I have been a Labour Party member for over 20 years. I have canvassed, done deliveries and supported the local constituency since I joined. Many people also know me locally through my voluntary work so if they wanted to select me I felt they might do so.

I had to fill in an application form, be interviewed and then selected by local members of the Labour Party in the electoral division where I wanted to stand. I had to speak at the selection meeting and answer questions. There were four other candidates and then it was put to a vote.

Filling in the application and writing a speech for the selection day. I am not a confident writer. It was not easy deciding if I have enough time to devote to being a councillor. Would I be any good at it? I wondered if I would cope with working again under pressure after so long bringing up children and only working part time.

Being able to talk more to both experienced and new councillors plus those who are planning on standing for selection. Perhaps shadowing a councillor to find out what they do.

I had lots of support from the local party and their women’s officer. I had encouragement from my family and sitting councillors. My family support what I am doing and encourage me. The local constituency and my ward hugely helped and continue to support me. I thank them all.

When I began canvassing I realised it was not difficult to do and I enjoyed it. It is fun when you are in a team. I like to listen and help others. Being on the doorstep was not difficult for me.

Being so tired. It is very time consuming. Knowing you will never get everything done.

I need to organise my time so that council work impacts less on my personal life and I have time to enjoy myself too.

In May 2017 I was elected as a County Councillor. I want to scrutinise and improve services, such as education, social services and sustainable transport to improve life for local constituents. Everyone should have access to what they need and I hope to impact positively on their lives. I want to act as a voice for the community by listening to them and acting on their behalf.

Allowances need to be higher for councillors, at a level that enables women to stand. Councillors should be able to claim for their care expenses spent on giving them time to do admin work as well as for committee meetings. Councils should provide pensions for councillors.