Liz Panton

I have lived in Walker since 1987, nearly 40 years now. My origins are in the North Wales Coal Field and I have always felt at home in Walker. From 1973 I lived in England for work and study and I learned that all of us face the same challenges. In 1983 I moved to Newcastle, to set up a specialist multidisciplinary Communication Aid Service for the North of England. While working in Newcastle, I gained valuable experience representing the interests of others. Some highlights: * Elected by the Northern Region TUC to represent Women's Interests on the North East Regional Assembly
 * Regional President of MSF (now Unite Trade Union)
 * Initiated and led campaigns at TUC and Labour Party Conferences against the closure of Swan Hunter Shipyard. As a past long-standing member of Newcastle Joint Advisory Group on Physical and Sensory Disability, I will see that adults and children with disabilities and the elderly have access to quality services enabling participation in education, public life and decision making, ensuring privacy, dignity and respect for personal autonomy. The job of Councillors is not just to kick up a fuss about pot holes, dog shit on pavements, fly tipping and HMOs springing up everywhere. But there is so much more that goes under the RADAR. Councils have a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to protect and uphold the rights of women as a distinct, legally recognised sex. * For services involving dignity, privacy, or safeguarding - such as in care homes, shelters, or supported housing - this is especially important. * Schools have a duty to protect the privacy, dignity, and safety of all pupils, especially girls. This includes access to single-sex toilets, changing rooms, sports, and pastoral support. Full bio here: https://www.partyofwomen.org/liz-panton