"From Thetford to London: A Message of Unity and Resolve"

This week, I had the honour of speaking in London at a national forum hosted by the Portuguese Embassy, dedicated to promoting youth engagement in local democracy, with a special focus on empowering young women. I stood proudly representing our town, Thetford, a place I have called home for over two decades and served with love and dedication.

It was a privilege to share the stage with another remarkable woman in public service, a fellow councillor from Sutton. Though our realities are different, we are united by our shared passion to inspire the next generation to lead with courage and compassion.

The forum also reinforced the importance of civic participation, especially voting. As Isabel, one of the speakers, powerfully said:“Voting is like public transport. It may not take you exactly where you want to go, but you choose the one that takes you closest to your destination.”A timely reminder that staying engaged, even when progress feels slow, is the only way forward.

I delivered a message rooted in legacy and hope:"Much blood has been shed for the freedoms we now enjoy. We owe it to those who came before us to honour their legacy by continuing their work, undaunted and with integrity."

That message was harder to share this week.

At a public engagement, I was confronted by a hostile crowd hurling xenophobic abuse and death threats. They told me I didn’t belong in this country, the very place where I’ve built a life, raised a family, and served our community as mayor with all my heart.

Were it not for the professionalism of our security team, and the courage of my husband, who stepped between me and the mob when threatening gestures escalated, I might be telling a very different story. He suffered minor injuries, but his resolve remained unshaken.

The police acted swiftly and bravely, ensuring our safety and dispersing the crowd, despite facing abuse themselves.

And yet, despite all of this, I remain hopeful. I believe in Thetford. I believe in its people. And I remain committed to working with all my fellow Thetfordians, regardless of race, colour or creed, to build a community we can all be proud of.

Though I am only one of 18 councillors, and I sit as an Independent, I hope to continue working constructively with all of my colleagues and to listen with an open heart to all residents of this amazing town I call home.

I will not be silenced. I will not step aside. I will continue to serve, to speak, and to stand for justice, for inclusion, and for every young person who dreams of being heard.

Hate has no home here.

Thank you to the Portuguese Embassy for hosting this vital conversation, and to everyone, everywhere, who chooses hope over fear, and unity over division.