I was first elected to the council in 1991 and served as Vice Chair of Housing Committee from 1994 to 1997. I had to resign from the council as a result of local government re-organisation as Derby City Council became my new employers. At the point of re-organisation, I was employed by Derbyshire County Council as Service Manager in Social services Department and was based at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. I could not remain on as a Councillor on a council that employed me. In December 2000 I was appointed to the position of Service Manager, Social Services Department, by Derbyshire County Council which meant that I was eligible to again to stand in local elections. I was re-elected to the council in 2002. Since my re-election from Arboretum Ward, I have served as Chair of Social Care, Health & Housing Commission, Cabinet Member for Youth and Adult Services. I have worked in social care field since 1985 in a variety of settings including children, disabilities, mental health and older people. Outside my elected member role, I have served a number of organisations in the city in different capacities. Before I became a Social Worker, I ran a restaurant in Derby and earned bit fame for claiming to be the first person for introducing Balti dishes to Britain. I have lived in Derby with my family since 1974.