About Ruth
I was elected in May 2008. I work full-time at Oxford Brookes University as the Wheatley Campus Library Manager and I’m a trades union steward. I am also heavily involved in job evaluation of support staff posts on behalf of UNISON. I have worked as a librarian in the NHS and in further education, and also have retail and factory experience.
I am a community activist and campaigner, and co-ordinated the Save Peers Sports Centre Supporters Group. In the community I have served as a parent governor of local primary and secondary schools, I have helped run a toy library for young people with disabilities, and was a Cub Scout Leader.
I have campaigned against the Iraq War, against the privatisation of the NHS, against the imposition of ID cards, against student tuition fees, and for better pay and conditions in education and local government. I have also campaigned for the replacement of street wardens, and for the introduction of outreach library services in inner city areas, and against the closure of the Iffley Post Office.
I am proud to be the Secretary of the Oxford City Lib Dem Group and have particular responsibility for urban regeneration. I am the Transport representative of the North East Area Committee, and represent the City Council on the Windmill House Liaison Group and on the Local Government Information Unit.
I have given presentations to Thames Valley Police on resident involvement in Neighbourhood Action Groups, and recently wrote a script and took part in filming for a police training video on antisocial behaviour. I am also one of the three councillors taking an active part in a Scrutiny Review on tackling antisocial behaviour within the City.
I am married with two grown up children. My interests include visiting art galleries and eating out, and I support Kent Cricket Club. I look forward to a week at the Edinburgh Fringe every summer, and my favourite place of all is the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
I consider myself very fortunate to be working with such an experienced and supportive ward colleague in David Rundle, and I am grateful to the people of Headington for allowing me to represent you!
