Council services in which you are particularly interested:

For many years, I have been interested in council finances – notably the “Oxford Model” whereby we reduce the need for spending cuts by generating income.  Alongside that, housing and planning are a passion – you cannot be a councillor in Oxford and worried about inequality without being concerned about the provision of more housing, especially genuinely affordable housing.  I am greatly interested in Oxford’s international links, which are part of what makes our city so special, and I am also passionate about promoting local sport.

Employment:

My day job is with Aston University, where I am Reader in Politics – a role which involves both teaching and research.  My specialism is contemporary German politics.  I also spend a lot of my time supporting academics to take their research out into the “real world”.

Hobbies and Interests:

I’m a huge football fan – I grew up supporting Woking FC, now regularly watch Oxford United and Oxford City, and in particular have been a football referee for all my adult life.  I also follow German football quite closely, notably 1. FC Köln.  I’m well known for enjoying real ale and running (not at the same time).