I have degrees in Law and in Russian Studies from London University.
In 1999 I retired from the City of London where I worked as an investment analyst in a number of institutions including James Capel and Merrill Lynch. My research specialisations were Scandinavian markets and European engineering and steel companies. While working in investment banking I advised institutional clients and also supported a number of large quoted companies in raising finance and developing general strategy. My last post was Director of European Research for the leading U.S. fund manager, Putnam Investments.
Now, in addition to supporting my husband with his financial consultancy business, I am a Member of the Board of Governors of Gainsborough's House Museum in Sudbury, where I serve on the Finance, Development and Investment Committees. I also give occasional lectures on Russian culture. Until September 2013 I was the Vice Chairman of Sudbury and District Citizens Advice where I used to work as Guidance Tutor and Adviser.
Between May 2007 and May 2017 I was involved in Local Government serving as a District Councillor on Babergh District Council for Waldingfield Ward between 2007 and 20015 and a Suffolk County Councillor for the Cosford Division between 2013 and 2017.
In January 2017 I was elected in a by election to Sudbury Town Council where I represent the Northern Ward. I have been a Governor of Great Waldingfield School for almost 2 years.
When I have time my more general interests include theatre, opera, Russia, art gardening and literature.
Why a Conservative?
I sometimes get asked why I am a Conservative councillor, since some people believe that party politics is less important in local government.
This indeed was my mother’s view. She sat as an independent councillor for Stratford upon Avon Rural District Council for some years in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, and believed firmly that this gave her more freedom of action.
When contemplating whether or not to become a candidate for Babergh I did consider standing as an Independent, but swiftly rejected the idea. While it is true that many of the decisions taken by local politicians have little connection with party politics, none the less I am, I think, fundamentally a Conservative, and to stand as anything else would not be honest.
What do I mean when I say I am a Conservative?
I believe in small government, and where government is obliged to get involved to seek to achieve good value for money. The result of this should be to keep taxation as low as possible.
I believe that relying too heavily on the ability of the human race to plan the future is dangerous, and that well regulated market forces often deliver better results.
Finally, and probably most importantly, because I value the tried and tested and am keen to conserve English heritage and the countryside, I believe that change should only be undertaken with great care. On the Today programme some years ago Tony Blair stated that ‘All politicians want to do things’. My reaction to this is ‘Well yes, but not by indulging in perpetual activity that in its haste destroys that which is good and worthwhile’. Change should be safe change; I am totally opposed to reform for its own sake.
Conservatism is not a particularly ideological creed, and the principles set out above should be read as pre-dispositions rather than inflexible mantras. I generally approach all issues with these guiding principles in mind, while recognising that each and every situation should be assessed on its own merits.
 |
| Rendle the Lurcher |
No comments:
Post a Comment