Teignbridge District Council - Ambrook Ward

I have been a district Councillor for four years, getting elected to Teignbridge District Council (TDC) for Ambrook after campaigning against the unduly high housing targets, overdevelopment and the environmentally destructive NA3. In the last four years a small number of South Devon Alliance Councillors have finally been able to challenge the dictatorial culture of TDC. In December, a complaint I raised with the Local Government Ombudsman outlined serious 'systemic' issues at TDC. By electing a larger cohort of the South Devon Alliance councillors we will have the ability to change the direction of a council that has operated 'in conflict with the law' and failed for decades to listen to, and act in the best interests of, its residents.

My career has been in the media and entertainment, co-founding a TV production company whilst I was a student that grew into a digital agency. After selling that to the Guardian Media Group/Endemol in 2000 I stepped sideways into comedy and live entertainment, partnering with Brighton based Komedia www.komedia.co.uk.

At Komedia I have produced radio, TV and touring comedy as well as operating firmly established venues and cultural hubs in the centres of Brighton and Bath. Two decades of venue operation and touring shows around the UK gave me the insight to set up The Alexandra Theatre Newton Abbot, a charitable community benefit society. Founded in collaboration with creative and community groups in Teignbridge to #SaveTheAlex www.alexandratheatre.org. An ambition we achieved in late 2022 when the proposed demolition of the interior of the grade 2 listed Alexandra Theatre was dropped from the Lib Dems ill-conceived Future High Street Fund plans. Our next ambition is to create a vibrant venue and community hub for Teignbridge around The Alex along with a long-term strategy that can have a lasting impact improving the health, happiness and wellbeing of all the residents of Teignbridge. Along with creating much needed transparency in decision making, reducing the housing numbers and protecting the environment.

Stand for the South Devon Alliance. Vote for the South Devon Alliance. All rebellions are built on hope!