I was born in 1949 in the West Midlands and finished my education at Hull University in 1970. In 1974 I qualified as a Psychiatric Social Worker and went to work in Manchester City Council Social Services at the Moss Side Office. In the mid-70s I helped to launch the second women’s aid refuge in Manchester – a feminist in action!

By 1987 I had had two children and become an Assistant Director of Social Services in Manchester. Then I took up a similar post in Liverpool, responsible for the City’s child protection, social work and contracts from 1992 until 2000.

I returned to women’s aid as a management committee member for South Manchester Women’s Aid in 2001. Over time the Women’s Aid Refuges came together with the Pankhurst Centre and became the Pankhurst Trust (incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid) I remain a Trustee of the Pankhurst.
Whalley Range has been home for me and my family for the last 38 years. Back in 1986 my husband, Chris Morris, was elected as the first ever Labour Councillor for Whalley Range. Chris retired from the Council in 1994 but today remains as active as ever in local politics.

In 2006 I was privileged to be elected as a Labour Councillor for the Whalley Range ward where I have lived since 1980 and I sought re-election for the 4th time as I wanted to continue to represent our lovely diverse area on behalf of the Labour Party that I joined in 1986.

During my time as a Councillor I have been a member of the Resources and Governance scrutiny Committee (chair from 2007 – 2011), the Neighbourhood Scrutiny Committee, Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee, Audit Committee (chair from 2007-2011) and Planning Committee.
For me, working in partnership with residents, neighbours and local groups (like the Whalley Range Community Forum and the Friends of Alexandra Park) is what being a Councillor is all about. I want us to all benefit from living in Manchester and being part of such a great city.