[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#1b365d” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”overflow-x: hidden;” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;|| position: absolute;|| top: 0;|| bottom: 0;|| left: 0;|| right: 0;|| background: var(–color1);|| opacity: 0.5;|| -webkit-transition: all 0.45s ease 0s;|| transition: all 0.45s ease 0s;|| -webkit-transform: skew(30deg) translateX(92%);|| transform: skew(30deg) translateX(92%);|| z-index: 3;” custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” custom_css_after=”content: %22%22;|| position: absolute;|| top: 0;|| bottom: 0;|| left: 0;|| right: 0;|| background: var(–color1);|| opacity: 0.5;|| -webkit-transition: all 0.45s ease 0s;|| transition: all 0.45s ease 0s;|| -webkit-transform: skew(-30deg) translateX(70%);|| transform: skew(-30deg) translateX(87%);|| visibility: visible;|| z-index: 3;|| height: 100%;|| width: 100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”politicalhome_section7_column1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”background: var(–color2);” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”30px” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” custom_padding=”|||26px|false|false” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;||width: 15px;||height: 15px;||border-radius: 10px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 50%;||transform: translatey(-50%);||left: 0;||” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 400;||position: relative;||width: 100% !important;” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
About Sophie<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lexend||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”40px” text_line_height=”50px” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”40px” text_font_size_phone=”30px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”50px” text_line_height_phone=”40px” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 700;||width: 100% !important;” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
What sets me apart<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 400;||width: 100% !important;” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
I\u2019m standing for selection because I\u2019m ready to win back Hallam. Here are the reasons selectors tell me they trust me to lead this campaign:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/sophiecrossthorn.the-kcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMGL5962-scaled-e1759492970895.jpg” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;|| position: absolute;|| top: 0;|| bottom: 0;|| left: 0;|| right: 0;|| background: var(–color1);|| box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7);|| opacity: 0.5;|| z-index: -1;|| -webkit-transition: all 0.45s ease 0s;|| transition: all 0.45s ease 0s;||-webkit-transform: skew(30deg) translateX(100%);|| transform: skew(30deg) translateX(100%);” custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” custom_css_after=”content: %22%22;|| position: absolute;|| top: 0;|| bottom: 0;|| left: 0;|| right: 0;|| background: var(–color1);|| box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7);|| opacity: 0.5;|| z-index: -1;|| -webkit-transition: all 0.45s ease 0s;|| transition: all 0.45s ease 0s;||-webkit-transform: skew(-30deg) translateX(90%);|| transform: skew(-30deg) translateX(90%);” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”position: relative;||display: block !important;||height: 50vh !important;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”position: relative;||display: block !important;||height: 50vh !important;”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”9″ width=”90%” max_width=”1100px” custom_margin=”-300px||||false|false” custom_padding=”50px|50px|50px|50px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”box-shadow: 0px 0px 25px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.10);||border-bottom: 5px solid var(–color1);||z-index: 3;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”I was born and raised right here in Sheffield Hallam.” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”20px” content_max_width=”100%” module_class=”politicalhome_section7_blurb” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_line_height=”28px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” custom_css_blurb_image=”margin-bottom: 0;” custom_css_blurb_title=”font-weight: 700;||color: var(–color2);||padding-bottom: 0;||margin-left: -10px;” custom_css_blurb_content=”display: flex;||align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”I have campaigned over the last decade from the grassroots to national elections.” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”20px” content_max_width=”100%” module_class=”politicalhome_section7_blurb” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_line_height=”28px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” custom_css_blurb_image=”margin-bottom: 0;” custom_css_blurb_title=”font-weight: 700;||color: var(–color2);||padding-bottom: 0;||margin-left: -10px;” custom_css_blurb_content=”display: flex;||align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”I\u2019m a trusted voice on social care – the party’s biggest campaign issue.” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”20px” content_max_width=”100%” module_class=”politicalhome_section7_blurb” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_line_height=”28px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” custom_css_blurb_image=”margin-bottom: 0;” custom_css_blurb_title=”font-weight: 700;||color: var(–color2);||padding-bottom: 0;||margin-left: -10px;” custom_css_blurb_content=”display: flex;||align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”I can hit the ground running, with local and national media experience and a professional fundraising background.” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”20px” content_max_width=”100%” module_class=”politicalhome_section7_blurb” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_line_height=”28px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” custom_css_blurb_image=”margin-bottom: 0;” custom_css_blurb_title=”font-weight: 700;||color: var(–color2);||padding-bottom: 0;||margin-left: -10px;” custom_css_blurb_content=”display: flex;||align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”I am driven by fairness, dignity, and respect.” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”20px” content_max_width=”100%” module_class=”politicalhome_section7_blurb” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_line_height=”28px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” custom_css_blurb_image=”margin-bottom: 0;” custom_css_blurb_title=”font-weight: 700;||color: var(–color2);||padding-bottom: 0;||margin-left: -10px;” custom_css_blurb_content=”display: flex;||align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”section2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/sophiecrossthorn.the-kcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/background.png” min_height=”602.7px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=”political_about_row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lexend||||||||” text_font_size=”40px” text_line_height=”50px” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”40px” text_font_size_phone=”30px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”50px” text_line_height_phone=”40px” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 700;||color: var(–color2);||width: 100% !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Personal life<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 400;||color: var(–color2);||width: 100% !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
I met my husband, Kurtis<\/span>, during the 2016 Sheffield local elections. We married in 2024<\/strong> and live in Sheffield with our rescue dog, Fidget<\/span>.<\/p>\n My family still live locally, and I\u2019m grateful for the strong ties I have across Hallam. We\u2019re often with relatives, enjoying time together and keeping grounded in the community we love.<\/strong><\/p>\n Outside politics, I like simple things \u2013 going for walks<\/b><\/span>, spending time with Kurtis and Fidget. We\u2019re big music fans, so we love to support local events. Sheffield is my home, and I never take that for granted.<\/p>\n What drives me, both personally and politically, is the belief that everyone deserves to live with dignity and independence<\/b><\/span>. From my family\u2019s struggles with health, to my career in social care, to my time as a councillor, that belief has guided me. It\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to stand for Sheffield Hallam \u2013 the community that has always been my home.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sophiecrossthorn.the-kcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Wedding-1-scaled.jpg” alt=”Sophie and husband Kurtis walking down the aisle at their wedding with confetti being thrown.” title_text=”Sophie and Kurtis’s wedding” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”58.1%” custom_margin=”||80px|166px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||80px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||20px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|||10px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|||10px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;||width: 367px;||height: 487px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;” custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” custom_css_after=”content: %22%22;||background: url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vector.png);||width: 172px;||height: 61px;||position: absolute;||bottom: -30px;||left: 50px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_after_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_after_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_before_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_after_tablet=”content: %22%22;||background: url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vector.png);||width: 172px;||height: 61px;||position: absolute;||bottom: -30px;||left: 50px;” custom_css_before_tablet=”content: %22%22;||width: 367px;||height: 487px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”section2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/sophiecrossthorn.the-kcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/background.png” min_height=”602.7px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=”political_about_row” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sophiecrossthorn.the-kcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/School-old-2.jpeg” alt=”Old school photo of Sophie.” title_text=”Sophie at Lydgate School” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”77.9%” custom_margin=”||80px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||80px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||20px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”10px|0px||10px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|||10px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;||width: 367px;||height: 487px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;” custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” custom_css_after=”content: %22%22;||background: url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vector.png);||width: 172px;||height: 61px;||position: absolute;||bottom: -30px;||left: 50px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_after_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_after_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_before_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_after_tablet=”content: %22%22;||background: url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vector.png);||width: 172px;||height: 61px;||position: absolute;||bottom: -30px;||left: 50px;” custom_css_before_tablet=”content: %22%22;||width: 367px;||height: 487px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lexend||||||||” text_font_size=”40px” text_line_height=”50px” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”40px” text_font_size_phone=”30px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”50px” text_line_height_phone=”40px” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 700;||color: var(–color2);||width: 100% !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n My early life in Hallam<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 400;||color: var(–color2);||width: 100% !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I was born and raised in Sheffield Hallam<\/b><\/span>. I grew up in Crosspool, Fulwood, and Ecclesall, attending Lydgate Infants, Lydgate Juniors, and Tapton School<\/b><\/span>. My family roots run deep here \u2013 my granddad ran the Esquire Club in the 1960s, which later became the Leadmill.<\/p>\n Life wasn\u2019t always simple. Both my parents faced serious health challenges<\/b><\/span>. I spent much of my childhood in Sheffield\u2019s hospitals<\/span>, where I learnt how much the NHS and social care mean to families like mine.<\/strong> It meant I got to have my dad around as I was growing up. I know firsthand just how important it is to protect our local NHS and care services.<\/p>\n At times I lived between my mum, dad, and grandma\u2019s homes. Above all, that taught me resilience, as well as the value of family and community.<\/strong><\/p>\n Throughout all of this, school was a safe place for me. I worked hard and achieved strong grades, but it was here that I got involved in my earliest community action<\/strong>, helping to start Tapton\u2019s first LGBTQ+ support club.<\/p>\n For my school work experience, way before I got into campaigning, I was fortunate to get a placement in Nick Clegg\u2019s office<\/strong> in Nethergreen. I saw just how hard the team worked, how well things were run, and how well represented our community was under a Lib Dem MP.<\/p>\n I learnt from an early age that it doesn\u2019t matter where you come from<\/strong>, life can throw challenges your way. And if there is a system strong enough to support you, you can succeed. These early experiences shaped me, showing that everyone deserves dignity, fairness, and support, no matter their circumstances.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”section2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/sophiecrossthorn.the-kcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/background.png” min_height=”602.7px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=”political_about_row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lexend||||||||” text_font_size=”40px” text_line_height=”50px” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”40px” text_font_size_phone=”30px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”50px” text_line_height_phone=”40px” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 700;||color: var(–color2);||width: 100% !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n University and my political beginnings<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 400;||color: var(–color2);||width: 100% !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I studied International Relations and Political Science<\/strong> at the University of Birmingham. I got to live in Uppsala, Sweden, through the Erasmus programme, so it\u2019s hardly surprising I have always been something of a europhile! My dissertation explored the impact of Brexit on the NHS<\/strong>, connecting global politics to everyday life here in Hallam.<\/p>\n In 2015, I joined a delegation to Bosnia<\/strong>, where I met survivors of the Srebrenica genocide. Standing at the memorial in Poto\u010dari was life-changing. I saw what happens when division goes unchecked. I also saw the most unparalleled human forgiveness, with survivors dedicating their lives to advocating for peace, unity and tolerance. After that trip, I joined the Liberal Democrats as the party of fairness, dignity and democracy.<\/strong><\/p>\n At university, I became active in the Remain campaign<\/strong>, serving as Campaigns Officer and later Chair of the University Lib Dems. I led teams to by-elections across the country, learning how to run grassroots campaigns and develop strong volunteer teams.<\/strong><\/p>\n In 2016, I stood in my first election as a candidate in Sheffield.<\/p>\n By 2018, I was standing for Birmingham City Council, determined to be a voice for internationalism, against division and to stand up for my neighbours. That campaign taught me everything – from writing and producing leaflets, to organising big positive Action Days which attracted volunteers to help from across the country.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sophiecrossthorn.the-kcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Birmingham-campaign-3.jpeg” alt=”Big crowd of Lib Dem activists with Sophie stood in the middle.” title_text=”Birmingham campaign 2018″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||80px|141px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||80px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||20px|0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|||10px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|||10px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;||width: 467px;||height: 430px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;” custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” custom_css_after=”content: %22%22;||background: url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vector.png);||width: 172px;||height: 61px;||position: absolute;||bottom: -30px;||left: 50px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_after_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_after_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_before_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_after_tablet=”content: %22%22;||background: url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vector.png);||width: 172px;||height: 61px;||position: absolute;||bottom: -30px;||left: 50px;” custom_css_before_tablet=”content: %22%22;||width: 367px;||height: 487px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”section2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/sophiecrossthorn.the-kcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/background.png” min_height=”602.7px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=”political_about_row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_4774.jpg” alt=”Sophie sat at a small table with a child playing with chalk drawing.” title_text=”IMG_4774″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”58.1%” custom_margin=”||80px|-1px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||80px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||20px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|||10px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|||10px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;||width: 367px;||height: 487px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;” custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” custom_css_after=”content: %22%22;||background: url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vector.png);||width: 172px;||height: 61px;||position: absolute;||bottom: -30px;||left: 50px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_after_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_after_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_before_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_after_tablet=”content: %22%22;||background: url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vector.png);||width: 172px;||height: 61px;||position: absolute;||bottom: -30px;||left: 50px;” custom_css_before_tablet=”content: %22%22;||width: 367px;||height: 487px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lexend||||||||” text_font_size=”40px” text_line_height=”50px” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”40px” text_font_size_phone=”30px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”50px” text_line_height_phone=”40px” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 700;||color: var(–color2);||width: 100% !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n My career \u2013 from fundraising to social care<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 400;||color: var(–color2);||width: 100% !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n I started my career in charity fundraising<\/b><\/span>, working for organisations like Books Beyond Words<\/b><\/span> and later as a professional bid writer<\/b><\/span> for the NHS and health charities. I secured funding from sources like the National Lottery<\/b><\/span>, charities, and large NHS tenders. This gave me the skills to make direct asks, write persuasive cases for support, and build lasting donor relationships<\/b><\/span> \u2013 skills that are vital for any parliamentary candidate.<\/p>\n But I wanted to be more hands-on. In 2020, I joined Sheffield Mencap & Gateway<\/b><\/span>, where I now lead projects supporting children and adults with learning disabilities<\/b><\/span>. I\u2019ve also run activities across Sheffield and Derbyshire with other local charities.<\/p>\n Because politics and campaigning are so important to me, I made the choice to work part-time in social care<\/b><\/span>. That balance means I can dedicate the rest of my week to serving my community as a councillor and campaigning for change.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”section2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/sophiecrossthorn.the-kcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/background.png” min_height=”602.7px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=”political_about_row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lexend||||||||” text_font_size=”40px” text_line_height=”50px” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”40px” text_font_size_phone=”30px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”50px” text_line_height_phone=”40px” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 700;||color: var(–color2);||width: 100% !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Political leadership<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 400;||color: var(–color2);||width: 100% !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In 2021, I was elected as a Sheffield City Councillor for Beauchief & Greenhill<\/b><\/span>, and in 2024 I was re-elected with an increased majority.<\/p>\n On the Council, I\u2019ve campaigned hard for <\/span>better housing repairs<\/b>, <\/span>ADHD assessment waiting times<\/b>, and <\/span>support for carers<\/b>. I serve as the <\/span>Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Adult Health & Social Care<\/b> and as an <\/span>NHS Governor<\/b>, giving me experience at both the local and strategic level.<\/span><\/p>\n I was also one of our six candidates in the 2019 European Parliament elections<\/strong> for Yorkshire & the Humber. My focus was engaging young people across the region<\/strong> in Sheffield, York, Harrogate and Leeds. It was an absolute privilege to stand alongside Shaffaq Mohammed and get him elected as an MEP, in a campaign that strengthened my belief in internationalism and gave me experience reaching out beyond Sheffield to diverse communities.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve led on winning campaigns locally too<\/strong> – from securing home improvements for struggling council tenants, to leading mobilising volunteers for the Woodhouse by-election, where we beat Reform.<\/strong><\/p>\n Through every role, I\u2019ve put residents first<\/b><\/span>. My political leadership is rooted in action, delivery, and values.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Council-11-scaled-e1759483167988.jpg” alt=”Sophie speaking at Sheffield City Council” title_text=”Sheffield City Council” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”58.1%” custom_margin=”||80px|278px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||80px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||20px|0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|||10px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|||10px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;||width: 367px;||height: 487px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;” custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” custom_css_after=”content: %22%22;||background: url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vector.png);||width: 172px;||height: 61px;||position: absolute;||bottom: -30px;||left: 50px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_after_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_after_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_before_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_after_tablet=”content: %22%22;||background: url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Vector.png);||width: 172px;||height: 61px;||position: absolute;||bottom: -30px;||left: 50px;” custom_css_before_tablet=”content: %22%22;||width: 367px;||height: 487px;||background: var(–color1);||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”watch-video” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”20443″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/IwcFUJRN0PM” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||165px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||240px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||130px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”background: var(–color2);” global_module=”20358″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ module_class=”politicalhome_video” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;||align-items: center;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lexend||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”40px” text_line_height=”50px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”40px” text_font_size_phone=”30px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”50px” text_line_height_phone=”40px” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 700;||width: 100% !important;” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Are you backing Sophie? [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”49%” custom_margin=”||50px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 400;||width: 100% !important;” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This is a people powered campaign. So, if you have any questions or you want to let Sophie know that you’re back her, get in touch using the buttons below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”41%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_text=”I’m backing Sophie!” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”popmake-20337″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”Lexend||||||||” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ button_icon_color=”#FFFFFF” button_on_hover=”off” custom_margin=”|-2px|0px||false|false” custom_padding=”14px|28px|14px|30px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”background: var(–color1) !important;||transition: all 0.5s ease;||color: #fff;” custom_css_after=”transition: all 0.5s ease;||color: #fff;” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_main_element__hover=”background: #fff !important;||color: var(–color1) !important;||transition: all 0.5s ease;” custom_css_after__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_after__hover=”color: var(–color1) !important;”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/#contact” button_text=”Get in touch” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”Lexend||||||||” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ button_icon_color=”#FFFFFF” button_on_hover=”off” custom_margin=”|2px|0px||false|false” custom_padding=”14px|28px|14px|30px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”background: var(–color1) !important;||transition: all 0.5s ease;||color: #fff;” custom_css_after=”transition: all 0.5s ease;||color: #fff;” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_main_element__hover=”background: #fff !important;||color: var(–color1) !important;||transition: all 0.5s ease;” custom_css_after__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_after__hover=”color: var(–color1) !important;”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f5f5f5″ custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” global_module=”20359″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_margin=”-170px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”background: #FFF;||box-shadow: 0px 6px 20px 0px rgba(30, 30, 30, 0.10);” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px|20px|40px|20px|false|false” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;||width: 1px;||height: 75px;||opacity: 0.2;||background: var(–color2);||position: absolute;||right: 0;||top: 50%;||transform: translateY(-50%);” custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_before_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_before_tablet=”content: %22%22;||width: 1px;||height: 75px;||opacity: 0.2;||background: var(–color2);||position: absolute;||right: 0;||top: 50%;||transform: translateY(-50%);”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#fdbb30″ icon_width=”49px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||15px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_heading title=”Born and raised in Hallam” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px|20px|40px|20px|false|false” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;||width: 1px;||height: 75px;||opacity: 0.2;||background: var(–color2);||position: absolute;||right: 0;||top: 50%;||transform: translateY(-50%);” custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_before_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_before_tablet=”display: none;” custom_css_before_phone=”display: none;”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#fdbb30″ icon_width=”49px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||15px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_heading title=”Proven and trusted” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px|20px|40px|20px|false|false” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;||width: 1px;||height: 75px;||opacity: 0.2;||background: var(–color2);||position: absolute;||right: 0;||top: 50%;||transform: translateY(-50%);” custom_css_main_element=”position: relative;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_before_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_before_phone=”display: none;” custom_css_before_tablet=”content: %22%22;||width: 1px;||height: 75px;||opacity: 0.2;||background: var(–color2);||position: absolute;||right: 0;||top: 50%;||transform: translateY(-50%);”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#fdbb30″ icon_width=”49px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||15px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_heading title=”Principled liberal values” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" About SophieWhat sets me apartI\u2019m standing for selection because I\u2019m ready to win back Hallam. Here are the reasons selectors tell me they trust me to lead this campaign:Personal lifeI met my husband, Kurtis, during the 2016 Sheffield local elections. We married in 2024 and live in Sheffield with our rescue dog, Fidget. My family […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"folder":[37],"class_list":["post-19988","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19988","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19988"}],"version-history":[{"count":56,"href":"https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19988\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20459,"href":"https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19988\/revisions\/20459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19988"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sophiecrossthorn.org.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=19988"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Do you have any questions?<\/p>\n