In September 2008, local Labour Party members selected me to be Labour's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate at the next general election. Ken Purchase MP has represented the constituency since 1992. Ken's tireless dedication to the people of Wolverhampton North East is an inspiration to me.

I am from Wolverhampton. It is my home. I live in the constituency which I hope to represent in Parliament.

I grew up in Wolverhampton and went to local state schools (Woodthorne Infants and Junior School, Perton Middle, Codsall High, Wulfrun College). I then graduated in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University.

Until recently, I worked at the heart of Government as Special Adviser to Rt Hon Geoff Hoon based in Downing Street and the House of Commons. I know my way around Government and I want to use that knowledge to fight to get the best for the constituency.

Previously, I lived and worked abroad. In Brussels, I helped set up a small business which supported British companies in understanding and influencing EU laws. I then moved on to become Robin Cook's political adviser in his capacity as President of the Party of European Socialists.

I speak several languages - French, Spanish and Italian - and I have also worked in France, Spain, Argentina and Pakistan.

In my spare time, I enjoy running, going to the cinema and reading.