Chatting with residents in any community will reveal that the rising cost of living is a major concern. This issue has been a personal focus for me, advocating for more affordable infant formula and assisting families in avoiding predatory lenders.

Recently, I engaged with Iceland’s workforce and customers across the nation to compile the ‘Iceland Manifesto,’ addressing their feedback just before the previous election. The feedback highlighted the public’s sense of disconnection from policymakers and their struggles with the increasing costs of essentials like childcare, heating, and groceries. The pressing issue of affordability continues to dominate everyday worries.

My appointment as a Labour peer aims to bring practical business insights from the high street to the political arena, amplifying the voices of businesses and communities nationwide. I am honored to contribute my experience as a retailer and entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of sustaining a family business that supports numerous employees and provides accessible, quality food to millions.

Understanding the financial strains on businesses meeting payroll and families striving to put food on the table daily, I am committed to representing these challenges at Westminster. The government’s focus on economic growth necessitates fostering private enterprise through investment confidence and a supportive regulatory environment.

I am a firm believer that effective governance benefits from individuals with firsthand industry experience speaking candidly. In my new role, I pledge to uphold this principle and contribute meaningfully to the dialogue.