Rachel Mann has lived in Bolton for 21 years, is married and has two sons now at university after having been educated locally. A former primary school teacher with a long-standing interest in the causes of educational failure, she currently works as a research assistant at Edge Hill University as well as supporting disabled students at the University of Bolton. She was very involved in the anti-academy campaigns for Hayward and Withins schools. A life-long peace and anti-nuclear campaigner, she has for many years been a part of Bolton CND and is also a Bolton Socialist Club committee member.