When young people ask how I got into politics, I tell them the truth: I was never an obvious candidate to become an MP.

I grew up caring for my disabled parents in one of the poorest postcodes in the country. Caring was such a normal part of everyday life that I didn’t realise I was a young carer. I just grew up fast.

Growing up in council housing, held back by poverty, made me who I am. I was the first in my family to go to university, working long hours in retail and hospitality to find the money, making it to Cambridge and later a fellowship at Yale.

Where you start in life shouldn’t decide where you end up. That belief has defined everything I’ve done: from leading domestic abuse, mental health and rough sleeping services to serving as a councillor, creating clean energy for all.

It’s why I fight for every child to have a childhood. I saw that fighting spirit in my mum and dad. They didn’t have money to pass on, but they gave me something more valuable: the grit to keep going and never give up.

It’s an honour to see that same fighting spirit in people from all walks of life across Bournemouth every day.

We’re making a fresh start here. Things are getting better. But too many are trying too hard to tear us apart and make us angry.

I reject anyone who says our town’s best days are behind us. I’ll fight with you until the job is done. I’ll keep taking your voice to Parliament and bringing more investment from Westminster to Bournemouth.

We’ve seen the cost when communities are left behind. But together, we’re building a fairer, greener, and safer future for Bournemouth.