I've lived in Monmouth since I was eight months old, moving away only to attend university in Leicester for three years, and a political internship in Norwich for fourteen months.

I've studied International Relations and Politics at university which has given me an understanding of how we function as part of the international community. I've also worked as an intern for the then deputy leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay and I've represented Green viewpoints through the previous assembly elections and the European elections last year.

In short, I live here and care about what happens here. I also feel that the people of Monmouth deserve candidates that cover a full range of political views and I'm here proudly representing a progressive voice for Monmouth constituents.

The biggest issue facing the county is public transport. It is appalling in Monmouthshire. This affects old and young in particular, as well as low income families and those looking for work. 25 per cent of households don't own a car and these people will not be ignored.

I'm also worried about the possibility of fracking in Monmouthshire. I would oppose fracking anywhere. It's dangerous to the local environment and sucks money out of investments in renewable energy.

Healthcare in Wales is a devolved issue and a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government. However, NHS is a priority for me and the only answer is to increase funding. There is no cheap option. If we want an efficient NHS it must be paid for out of public money.

In order to tackle crime in the county, I would encourage MCC to keep street lights on in residential areas. MCC needs to re-assess which lights could be turned off. Police have suffered huge cuts to their budgets and unfortunately, due to the austerity agenda, this will result in fewer police officers on the streets. I would support a reversal of funding cuts and put more fully trained officers on the beat.

Visibility of police prevents crime. Extra money can be found for essential services by introducing a "Robin Hood" tax on financial transactions and saving it on such things as Trident, new road building projects and vanity projects such as HS2 and the proposed M4 bypass.

The Green Party has no problem connecting with young people. Our youth branch, named the Young Greens, is the largest political group of young people in the country with over 17,000 members. I would meet older people in their own homes if required and attend community groups - parent and toddler groups, over 55 clubs and others.

To support the agricultural community, I would stop the exploitation of our farmers by large supermarkets who seek for nothing other than to undervalue our agricultural sector.

Finally, to support small, independent, local businesses, I will support a change in planning law to favour independent businesses on the high street over multi-nationals, reform business rates to be fairer to small and medium sized businesses.