Fiona joined the Labour Party in the 1970s and has always been very active in the Labour Movement. She was the Deputy Director of the Communities, Housing and Education Departments at Tower Hamlets Council (East London), and an elected Councillor in Havering (Essex). More recently, she stood as Labour’s candidate in both the County and Horsham District Elections. Fiona is very active in Westminster, attending the Future High Streets Forum to speak on behalf of small retailers.

Since moving to Henfield in 2000, Fiona now runs an engineering business with 60 employees in Horsham as well as the much-loved Stokes of Henfield confectioner, newsagent, and gift shop. After raising six children, she has been a foster parent for WSCC for many years, a school governor, supports the local foodbank, and provides cooked meals for struggling families during the school holidays. She sits on Henfield Parish Council with specific responsibilities for Local Planning, Children, Parks & Open Spaces. Fiona also provides accommodation for two Ukrainian refugees.