Listening to you, it’s clear we share the same desire for a fully funded public, not private, NHS; for decent, secure, properly paid jobs; an economy that works for all of us, not just a few and where the wealthy pay their way.

Here in Norwich, I’ve campaigned against the privatisation of local NHS services, been at the centre of a broad coalition of trade unions, faith groups, businesses and academics working for a Living Wage across the city, and worked with local campaign groups and trade unions for public ownership of the failing privatised rail industry.

I’m passionate about Norwich’s development of scientific centres of excellence. I support institutions such as the Norwich Research Park, which aims to develop the city’s future by creating and supporting new companies and jobs based on world-leading bioscience and renewable technology.

But despite all that, I’m not your typical politician. My life outside of politics has given me experience of the real world. For more than a decade, I was a BBC TV news reporter, eventually becoming the BBC eastern region’s chief political reporter. After that, I worked as a BBC technician. I’ve also been an army reservist infantry officer, serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2009.

I’m also a governor of Lakenham Primary School and Nursery in my constituency and have worked with other schools and charities to help some of our city’s most disadvantaged children. I was also one of the last Labour Government’s National Black Role Models, working with young people across the UK.

Born in London, I grew up on a council estate in Northampton. I attended a local comprehensive, becoming the first family member to attend university. I read economics at the University of Bradford before being elected student union president and Vice President of the National Union of Students (NUS).

Ultimately, I’ll always speak my mind and try to do what is best for Norwich and you can read more about my local and regional priorities here.