Question: When and why did you become interested in politics?
Answer: I have always been really interested in politics. I suppose it all started when I was still at school; I took a keen interest in current affairs and ‘sixties' politics (yes, I’m afraid I am old enough to remember the Cuban missile crisis!).
Question: What inspired you to become a councillor?
Answer: It was when I wanted to improve local facilities, particularly at Thornsett School – in my ward. The buildings were archaic and need of modernisation. I was also motivated because I did not agree with the county’s plans for a courthouse in New Mills and I was fed up with steep rises in council tax.
Question: What’s the first thing you would change if you became prime minister?
Answer: I can assure you I have no ambition to take on that job! However, if I did, I would put an end to wasting public money on needless ‘red tape’.
Question: What single thing do you think would improve the High Peak?
Answer: I would love to be able to solve the traffic problems in Glossop and Buxton, but in practice, I don’t know how this could be done.
Question: What areas of work are you particularly interested in?
Answer: The further development of our Strategic Alliance with Staffordshire Morelands and our outstanding regeneration projects – not just the Crescent, but also the second bridge in Whaley, Torr Vale Mill and Glossop Town Hall.
Question: What is the biggest problem with working in local government?
Answer: Meeting the aspirations of our residents, to improve services and carry out regeneration projects, without increasing council tax.
Question: How would you solve it?
Answer: I would use savings from the Strategic Alliance to go some way to meeting these aspirations. We cannot fulfil everybody’s wish list, but we will certainly try and meet our priorities with the resources available.