Gina Dowding has lived in Lancaster for more than 25 years. She lives with her partner and their two school-aged sons. She worked for more than 10 years in the NHS in public health and now works for a small charity, which helps churches and faith communities improve and adapt their buildings for community use. She was among the first Greens elected to Lancaster City Council in 1999. She spent six years in the council cabinet and chaired the Local Strategic Partnership. She is a committed community activist and has helped set up new facilities including a new community centre and a centre for older people.