I am proud to announce that I am standing as an Independent candidate in the upcoming Connah's Quay Central by-election on Thursday 9th July, seeking election to both Flintshire County Council and Connah's Quay Town Council.

Over the years, my dedication to our community has grown through active volunteering, listening to residents, and regularly attending town council meetings. I truly understand the real issues that residents face, which is exactly why I believe I am best placed to make a positive, lasting difference for Connah's Quay. I’m standing because the people of Connah's Quay deserve a strong, independent voice, that always puts the community first.

I understand that choosing who to trust with your vote is not always easy. Many people have become disillusioned with politics after seeing promises made during election campaigns that are never followed through, or feeling that those elected lose touch with the communities they represent. I believe that actions speak louder than words, and throughout this website you'll be able to see the work I have been involved in, the causes I have supported, and the commitment I have already shown to both local and national issues.

For me, transparency and accountability are essential. That's why I've included an honest look at my background, my experience, and the work I continue to do in the community. You'll also find information about the upcoming election, the priorities I will be campaigning for, why I have chosen to stand as an Independent candidate, and practical guidance on how to register and vote. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, I'd be happy to hear from you, so please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Let's start with who I am:

Early Years Living in Shotton

As a child, I personally witnessed the extensive impact of the closure of Shotton Steel Works, not only in Shotton itself but throughout the entire constituency and beyond. I vividly recall how the children of those who lost their jobs suffered directly as a result of the shutdown.

A Journey Through Hardship: Personal Reflections on Financial Struggles

During my early adult years I recall residing in a bedsit, jobless, uncertain about when the next meal would come. Later on I experienced unemployment once more, this time as a married man with a child. One poignant memory resurfaces from those challenging periods of one Christmas Eve, where I sat anxiously by the front door, anticipating the arrival of my giro from the postman. The thought weighed heavily on me: how would I explain to my daughter if it didn't arrive, that Father Christmas couldn't visit us this year?

I have been there, sitting in the cold, even before I had the luxury of central heating, struggling to keep warm by adding wood to the fire. So, I understand first hand what it means to face the dilemma of 'Heating or Eating'. I wonder how many politicians in the House of Commons can genuinely grasp the reality of this choice for our pensioners and those on low incomes.

From the Frontlines: Reflections on Conflict and Political Realities

Notable areas of service included Northern Ireland, the Middle East and other strategic locations deemed important by the UK Government. During that time, I witnessed for myself the grim realities of conflict and the divisive nature it breeds, along with the manifestation of hatred. It was during this time that I began to question whether politicians truly understood the broader realities of the world. Each faction seemed entrenched in its own ideology, unwilling to negotiate, while the innocent public and security forces members suffered due to the incompetence of those in their "ivory towers", engaged in petty bickering or scrambling for morsels beneath the table.

Returning to Deeside: Highs and Lows

In the years following my military service, I returned to the familiar surroundings and faces of my upbringing. Married, with my own business and a circle of friends, everything seemed to be on track. Life remained stable for a while, with enjoyable moments spent strolling along the river Dee, shopping and eating out in Connah's Quay, Buckley, Queensferry and Broughton, mingling with a diverse community where some had more than others, but such is life.

I led the local Business Club during the day and engaged with those less fortunate by night. Each person I encountered had their own strengths and I never severed ties with anyone, even as I 'climbed the ladder'. Little did I know, this would prove invaluable in the future.

2006 marked a turning point. It was the year when everything fell apart. I lost my family, my home, and my business. Despite what some said about me never recovering, I proved them wrong. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and began anew.

Empowerment Through Education: A Path to Helping Others

Rather than giving in to self-loathing and despair, I chose to enroll at the University of Chester, where I pursued a degree in Law. Graduating in 2010 with an LLB (Hons) Law, those three years proved to be a turning point in my life. This educational path has been instrumental in enhancing my casework skills and has fuelled my aspiration to become an MP. Sadly it was not meant to be for 2024 but it was an empowering journey. On a positive note, I won more votes than most independent candidates throughout the country and if anything, it raised awareness of my profile, who I am and what I am passionate about which will help to serve my local community, human rights and anti-knife crime focus on a local and national level moving forward.

Most Recent Work

More recently, I have been enjoying my work continuing the campaign to bring the principles of Jade's Law to both Northern Ireland and Scotland, with the aim of securing equal protection for families across the whole of the UK. I was also honoured to be nominated once again at the Crime Con Awards 2026 in recognition of my ongoing work to raise awareness around knife crime and victims' rights.

Closer to home, community involvement remains a big part of my life. I volunteer each week at the local pensioners' bingo at Glan-y-Morfa in the heart of Connah's Quay Central, something I genuinely look forward to and enjoy. I also make a point of keeping up to date with local issues by regularly attending Connah's Quay Town Council meetings, having attended virtually every monthly meeting over the past two years. Whenever I can, I'm also happy to lend a hand with local community projects, most recently helping to plant the new displays at the Connah's Quay and Shotton War Memorial planters.

Reflections on Resilience

I believe the points I've made in this brief history of my life illustrate clearly that above all else, I am a survivor and a fighter. This is why I am proud to be standing in the upcoming Connah's Quay Central Ward by-election for both town and county.