I am a barrister specialising in family work and child protection.  Up until the year 2000, I worked as a solicitor.

I have always been passionate about justice.  Having worked with the police for 30 years, I have great respect for them, so often putting other’s safety above their own.

I am also deeply concerned about the need to treat all our citizens utterly equally and fairly, whatever their ethnic origin, disabilities and sexual orientation.

I am a Liberal Democrat candidate but I am clear that this election should be about the best candidate and not about party politics. If elected, the needs of all Cumbrians will be prioritised above all else.

Cumbria is one of the safest places in the country, but we cannot be complacent.  We have our own difficult issues. Rural crime mustn’t be overlooked.

I aim to ensure that the police become a more visible presence to local residents, preventing crime and bringing criminals to justice.  I promise to ensure value for money for taxpayers in Cumbria and I will endeavour to keep the police’s council tax low.

I pledge to work with and support the voluntary sector in the delivery of crime prevention and developing restorative justice.  Drug and alcohol abuse, domestic and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour need to be tackled head on.

I believe that I have the skills, energy and dedication required to do this extremely challenging job. I am ready and willing to rise to that challenge in the service of every person in Cumbria.