Olwyn was elected as a Willington and Hunwick Labour County Councillor in 2013 and again in 2017. Following the 2017 election she was appointed Durham County Council Cabinet Member, Children and Young People’s Services and became Chair of the North East Region Children and Young People Lead Member Network. Olwyn is a former primary headteacher and a governor of Hunwick and Willington Primary Schools.

Olwyn supports community groups in her Ward with Neighbourhood funding, commitment and advice and will go the extra mile to help individual residents. She was a founder member and volunteer of the Foodbank in Willington and has been active in ensuring food and advice has been available to vulnerable people throughout the pandemic. 

Working with her fellow Councillor, Olwyn has brought both enjoyment and improvement to Ward residents. She is currently listening to them about further improvements.