1.What is your background and what inspired you to get into politics? How does it feel to have been elected?
I am a Chemistry graduate and after gaining invaluable experience in industry I made the successful transition into the banking / finance sector. I have always had a keen interest in current affairs / politics but more importantly what goes on in my local community and how I can help.
Having been elected means I can represent and communicate the challenges and views faced by local residents on a daily basis. It is an honour and privilege to do so and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all who voted for me.
2. Is there anything in particular you are keen to address following your appointment in terms of policies?
Following my election I am keen to support further investment for regeneration projects around Worthing and also to support and encourage employment opportunities, especially apprenticeships, throughout the town.
3. Do you think your youth will be an advantage or disadvantage on the council? Why?
I believe the local Council should mirror the body of people it is representing and making decisions on behalf of. Following the election in May (and in recent years) Worthing Borough Council now has a group of Councillors covering all age ranges and levels of experience and that can only serve to help Worthing as a whole. With younger people getting involved, hopefully it will demonstrate what you can achieve if you are passionate enough about a particular topic and that you really can make a positive impact on your local town / community regardless of age.
4. Do you think the role of Councillor is restrictive for young people getting into politics? I.e it's a low-paid, time consuming role. Is there any reforms of the system you would encourage to increase participation from younger people?
In recent years Worthing Borough Council has adapted the way it conducts business and meetings to accommodate the trappings of modern life such as work, commuting etc and as such the majority (if not all) meetings are held in the evening which allow people like myself to participate.
5. What do you think could be done to encourage more people to engage with the political system?
Everyone should have a vested interest in the prosperity and enhancement of their local town / community however I believe the overly bureaucratic perception of politics puts people off and feeds apathy. That said, I believe a few simple changes could help to engage people in the decision making processes that impact their day to day lives such as:
Transparency of systems and processes. – giving people insight into the day to day running of the Council. What’s actually involved? What exactly does a Councillor do?
Being able to see tangible results and actions that the Council has taken – what actually comes out of the various meetings held by the Council? How does that impact on my life?
Understanding the reasons why certain decisions have been taken – providing people with insight as to the rules and regulations that the Council must follow when making decisions and taking a certain course of action.