Anne Handley

I stumbled into politics after enjoying my retirement from working in a college for 17 years. I was asked to do a favour for a friend and five years later I find myself as Leader of East Riding Council, the first ever female leader of the council.

I love my current role and really enjoy working alongside and supporting people in the East Riding of Yorkshire. I also spend time in Westminster lobbying Government on issues such as more SEND funding, speaking to the Energy Minister about issues on the Humber (the largest emitters of carbon in the country), as well as many other issues affecting the East Riding.

Over the last couple of years I lobbied both the Conservative and Labour Governments to get a devolution deal over the line and am delighted that we now have a Mayor in office. It will mean more investment in skills, education, infrastructure and transport for the region.