I was born… and raised… right here in High Wycombe.

 

I went to school here.  

The same schools… that my children attend today.

 

I run a small business here.  

I see the town every day… through the eyes of a resident, a parent, and a business owner.

 

Wycombe gave my family a home.  

Wycombe gave me a voice.  

And now… Wycombe has given me this chain.

 

I do not take that lightly.

 

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For my year as Mayor… I have chosen to by looking at the situation of the town and that matters to me… and that matters to this town.

 

Youth and Mental Health.

 

I chose it because I see the pressure our young people are under.  

Exam stress. Social media. Waiting for help that doesn’t come quick enough.  

 

I chose it because I’ve sat with parents… in Totteridge, Castlefield, in Micklefield , who are worried sick about their children.  

And I’ve sat with young people themselves… who feel alone, even in a crowded room.

 

We cannot fix everything in one year.  

But we can listen.  

We can show up.  

We can make sure no young person in Wycombe feels like they have nowhere to turn.

 

 

That is why I have chosen two charities to support this year.

 

Wycombe Mind… who do vital work supporting people of all ages with their mental health.  

They are there when people hit crisis point… and they are there before it gets to that point.

 

And Wycombe Youth Action… who work every day with young people across our town.  

Giving them safe spaces. Mentors. Opportunities. A sense of belonging.

 

Both organisations… are Wycombe through and through.  

Money raised in Wycombe… will stay in Wycombe… and will go directly to helping our residents.

 

Over the next 12 months… I will be asking you… to support them.  

Through events. Through donations. Through your time.  

Every pound… every hour… will make a difference.

 

As Mayor… I am not party political & as an Independent I never have been. 

For this year… I represent all (roughly)125,000 people in this town.  

 

Whether you voted for me… or not.  

Whether you live in the town centre… or on the edges.  

Whether you are 8 years old… or 80.

 

My door is open.  

My job is to listen.  

My job is to champion Wycombe… wherever I go.

 

And I will do it with pride… with humility… and with dedication.

 

To our young people listening today…  

I see you.  

You are not invisible.  

This town cares about you.  

And this Mayor cares about you.

 

To my fellow Charter Trustees…  

Thank you again for your trust.  

Let’s use this year to show that local politics… at its best… is about service.

 

And to the people of High Wycombe…  

Thank you for putting your faith in me.  

I will do everything I can… to be worthy of it.

 

But more importantly… let’s get to work.  

Let’s make 2026 and 2027… a year where Wycombe comes together… for our young people… for our community… and for our future.

 

Thank you