South Shields Conservative Association selected me as their parliamentary candidate for the next General Election in February 2009. I have been involved in the Conservative Party both at a local and national level for a number of years. Born and raised in South Shields - as generations of my family have been - I went to school at Harton Comprehensive School and studied A Levels at Central Newcastle High School in Jesmond. Before taking up a place at University I spent six months working as a TEFL teacher in Moscow and then three months working in agriculture in Norway.

After graduating from Queen Mary, University of London with a BA(Hons) in English Literature, I started work in the City.  I am currently employed as a Director at Howdens International, a Global Brokerage, where I specialise in North American Business.

Having seen first hand the problems of the region, I am very concerned to see unemployment rising. Labour have taken for granted the support of voters in South Shields for too long. I couldn’t have been more proud to be selected as your candidate and it’s my priority to campaign on the issues of unemployment and lack of investment in the town.

I would be very happy to discuss any concerns or issues you have, I can be contacted here.