I joined the Civil Service in 2016 and joined PCS as soon I could. I then became a branch Representative and Health and Safety Officer.

During Covid, as well as serving my branch I supported other branches with their Health and safety issues and requirements. As you can imagine this involved a lot of hard work and effort. However, I will always do my best to help protect our members, and I have continued to support other branches where support was needed.

I was elected to the GEC during Covid and attended my first Conference virtually. I have enjoyed serving on the GEC and doing my best to help the members of our union with their issues and problems.

This year, I have also been elected to the role of Regional Chair for Wales. This was a hugely proud moment for me as a proud Welshman, and I saw this as a continuation of my role for my branch, and the help that I have given to other branches in the region.

The Pay Campaign was vital in getting the members as much of a pay rise as we possibly could and I was proud to stand on picket lines alongside friends and colleagues, fighting for what we knew was right and fair for all members of DWP staff. Whilst we may not have gotten everything that we wanted, without the action of the GEC to get such a good turnout in the ballot, our members would have had a completely insulting pay rise which would have left more people struggling to make ends meet.

This year, we will need to continue with our Campaign to improve the pay of the hard working members of the DWP who deserve so much more than they are currently receiving.

I ask you all to read the statements from all the Left Unity candidates, and to elect a GEC of Left Unity candidates that will do what is best for the members and will continue to fight for the rights of all staff in the DWP.