My name is Milly Boylan. I am standing as an Independent candidate for the County Council seat of Ross East on May 4th, and appreciate you taking the time to read this.
I have already been elected onto the Town Council unopposed (which is not as grand as it sounds or really a good sign for local democracy, but I am honoured to be in the position) but I decided to stand as a Councillor on Town and County because I like helping people, as simple as that. I had a hard life growing up, leaving home at a young age and facing the world with all its challenges. And so I have experienced and know what it’s like to be young, to feel alone and unsupported, to slip through the cracks of an overstretched system and what often feels like an uncaring world.
It’s because of that early experience, and having to fend for myself at such a young age, that I have spent a lifetime looking after and supporting other people, particularly young adults, who have had difficult backgrounds and resulting issues. I now want to be in a position to be that person who can help more young people in Ross and Herefordshire and to be in a stronger place to help all our young and old who need a little support and kindness.
I chose to be an Independent candidate because I think party politics is often a hindrance, and sometimes toxic, at a local council level and I have never liked the idea of being told what to do and think, rather than treating people as I find them. I want to be able to work with whomever I think it would be practical and sensible to, without fear or favour from a national party based in Westminster.
You may know me from numerous community events I have hosted or the Warm Welcome drop-in every Wednesday I help organise - where people can come and have food, drinks, some company and advice. I have also supported numerous people in my job as a Community Link worker for HVOSS, through the government’s Levelling Up Fund, and after funding ran out I continued to do this work for free as I saw how badly it was needed to build resilience in our community and how important it was to support those who needed help before they impacted the community negatively - when a little time and effort could have prevented that.
I have had a very varied life, moving from Portsmouth to Ross as a single mum 28 years ago, starting up and running my own business for over 15 years to support my son. I have lived in rental accommodation, social housing and I am now lucky enough to own my own home in the town I love. Ross is great, but, the thing is, with a little fresh energy and effort, it could be amazing. My friends, and Independent colleagues; Danny Lister, Rob Taylor and Katie Fowler will do our best, with your help, to make it so.
I want Ross to thrive; for our river to be clean, our town to attract more visitors, to increase good affordable housing, for there to be more things for young people to do, for better educational provision....for there to be no more blooming potholes!
But, WHAT DO YOU WANT? That is the point. I will always listen and always fight for the voices of the town and County to be heard. Thank you for reading this, please email or ring me if you have any issues or questions.
Milly
Email: Millyboylani4ross@gmail.com Telephone: 07827668971