Between 2014 and 2023, Russell represented Northenden ward as a councillor on
Manchester City Council. She served as chair of the council's Resources and Governance Scrutiny Committee as well as vice-chair of the Wythenshawe Community Housing Group. In 2023 Russell was nominated as a possible Labour candidate for
Crewe and Nantwich at the 2024 General Election, Russell was unsuccessful and
Connor Naismith was selected as the prospective Labour candidate. Russell later became chair of the Congleton Labour Party. Ahead of the
2024 general election, Russell was selected as the prospective Labour candidate for
Congleton. She is a member of the
Fabian Society's executive committee. == Personal life ==