Having worked in Goole for many years, from running a travel agency, to running her own business, Cllr Handley also spent many years working for the Hull College Group mainly based at the Goole Campus. During that time she implemented the Entry to Employment programme, taught Sage accounts, vocational qualifications and ran the 14 – 16 College.

A keen partnership ambassador, Cllr Handley was instrumental in establishing the Goole college Consultative Committee, which was well attended by both local business and the local authority. This Committee discussed many issues and a regular focus was the skill gaps leading to sector skill days and an annual jobs fair which was run in conjunction with Goole Job Centre.

After 17 years at the college Cllr Handley took early retirement that she said ‘lasted the whole of six months! I now find myself as Leader of  East Riding of Yorkshire Council  and a Goole Town Councillor. My wish for Town Deal, is that  together we make a positive difference to our great town.”