Councillor stories

Hear stories from current and past councillors about why they became councillors, their role at the council, and their achievements.

Cllr Emily Benner

Croxley Green Parish Council

Cllr Emily Benner

Croxley Green Parish Council

Cllr Emily Benner

Cllr Benner moved to Croxley Green in 2017 and joined the council in 2018. By 2019, she was vice-chair of the Leisure, Events and Environment Committee and a Young Councillor of the Year finalist for our Star Council Awards. She expanded the council's youth engagement through videos and social media, modernised policies, and organised community events. Notably, she founded a project providing Christmas gifts to local care home residents, impacting 674 people and mobilising over 200 volunteers.

Cllr Anita Collier

Frome Town Council

Cllr Anita Collier

Frome Town Council

Cllr Anita Collier

Cllr Collier, elected deputy mayor in 2019 and mayor of Frome Town Council in 2020, is dedicated to community wellbeing. She collaborates with local groups on mental health, loneliness, dementia, and homelessness, becoming the director of Fair Housing for Frome. Passionate about Frome, she joined the council in 2018, inspired by independent councillors' focus on the town's best interests. During COVID-19, she helped and supported neighbourhood and business communities.

Cllr Donna Fuller

Woughton Community Council

Cllr Donna Fuller

Woughton Community Council

Cllr Donna Fuller

Cllr Fuller, a councillor for over 20 years, has greatly impacted Woughton's youth through her work on Woughton Community Council in Milton Keynes. The council offers diverse youth services, including education, sexual health support, and activities like music, sports, and arts. Her Play Rangers project uses open spaces for family play and holiday check-ins, ensuring a consistent, supportive presence. This initiative supports hundreds of young people, who often provide their only hot meal.

Cllr James Hodgkinson

Upper Hardres Parish Council

Cllr James Hodgkinson

Upper Hardres Parish Council

Cllr James Hodgkinson

Cllr James Hodgkinson joined the council in 2025 to become Kent's youngest parish councillor. He brings a strong interest in public policy and modern technology, which has helped strengthen the council's digital presence. His work developing the council's social media channels has made it easier for residents, especially younger people, to connect with and stay informed about parish activities.

Cllr Farzana Kharawala

Leighton-Linslade Town Council

Cllr Farzana Kharawala

Leighton-Linslade Town Council

Cllr Farzana Kharawala

Cllr Kharawala, a resident of Leighton Buzzard since 2004, has long been active in her community. Elected to Leighton-Linslade Town Council in 2015, she champions community representation and encourages local engagement. Passionate about empowering youth, she supports initiatives like the Young People Award, fostering pride in the community among younger generations. As town mayor from 2020, she fundraises for local charities aiding mental health, families in need, and cancer patients.

Cllr Nick Penny

Coleford Town Council

Cllr Nick Penny

Coleford Town Council

Cllr Nick Penny

Cllr Penny, elected to Coleford Town Council at 27, brings energy and fresh ideas to his community in Gloucestershire. He led a £1.2 million recreational project, creating inclusive facilities like a skate park and multi-use game area with wildlife ponds and green spaces. His strategic five-year plan has strengthened community services, tourism support, and local partnerships, setting a solid foundation for future growth and development.

Cllr Heather Pinky-McLean

Newhaven Town Council

Cllr Heather Pinky-McLean

Newhaven Town Council

Cllr Heather Pinky-McLean

Cllr Pinky-McLean, known for organising a beach protest against a concrete plant, is dedicated to serving Newhaven Town Council in East Sussex. She passionately supports mental health, running a free weekly support group at the local community centre. Funded personally, it offers a safe space with refreshments. Active on social media, she connects with residents to understand and address their concerns, providing valuable support and resources as needed.

Cllr Eartha Pond

Queen’s Park Community Council

Cllr Eartha Pond

Queen’s Park Community Council

Cllr Eartha Pond

Cllr Pond, chair of Queen’s Park Community Council, became a councillor to have an active voice in her community. Dedicated to supporting youth, she secured funding for a crucial youth club role. Recognised as our Star Council Awards Councillor of the Year finalist in 2019, she has enriched community life as a teacher and mentor. Cllr Pond initiated a project to close main streets at key times, providing safe, socially distanced spaces for children to play and socialize.

Cllr Alex Rowe

Gittisham Parish Council

Cllr Alex Rowe

Gittisham Parish Council

Cllr Alex Rowe

Cllr Alex Rowe has revived the village fete after its pandemic hiatus and has ensured its successful running for the past three years. As deputy chair, he confidently leads meetings when required. He maintains constructive relationships with principal authorities, local police, the estate manager and the local MP. Known for his can‑do attitude and approachability, he engages effectively with residents of all ages, drawing on strong personal relationships within the community.

Cllr Dianne Taylor

Wythall Parish Council

Cllr Dianne Taylor

Wythall Parish Council

Cllr Dianne Taylor

Cllr Dianne Taylor has been a transformative presence for her council, championing community wellbeing through initiatives such as the Memory and Friendship Café and a community garden. Her work establishing the café has created a vital support network for people living with dementia and their families, offering a safe and understanding space for connection and care. She is a proactive and approachable councillor that communicates regularly with residents and advocates for local interests.

Cllr Gareth Williams

Fownhope Parish Council

Cllr Gareth Williams

Fownhope Parish Council

Cllr Gareth Williams

Cllr Williams, a lifelong Caplor resident, is deeply committed to community service and sustainability. With 17 years on the Fownhope Parish Council, including three as chair, he leads efforts on climate action. He founded and chairs the Environment Working Group, which declared a climate emergency in 2019 and spearheaded projects like planting over 7,000 trees. He collaborates with the Hereford Green Network to secure funding for local initiatives, reflecting his dedication to sustainability.