For the past four years I have been privileged to have represented the people of Newport, Quendon, Rickling and Widdington as District Councillor, and Newport as Parish Councillor. It is with regret that I have had to leave the Council due to my husband’s company moving us to Chicago.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during this time, and for the many good wishes I have received. Fortunately the timing has been such that we have been able to tie the necessary by-election in to the County Council election thus saving the cost of having a separate voting day. I very much hope that R4U’s Anthony Gerard will be elected to step into my shoes. He genuinely cares about the residents of Newport, and keeps himself fully up to date with local issues – he was the only District Council candidate who attended the Newport Annual Assembly.
Thank you also to Cllr Neil Hargreaves who continues as one of your District Councillors – he works extremely hard, although much of it is behind the scenes and is not publicly visible. It is due to his efforts that the signage at the railway bridge is going to be improved and a flashing speed sign will be erected on London Road. This will make the B1383 through Newport safer for all. I shall miss our weekly surgeries at Dorringtons, but know that our R4U team will continue with them, and any resident is invited to pop along between 10.30 and 11.30 on Thursdays if they have any issues to discuss.
I shan’t miss District Council meetings. I was appalled when first elected to see a Conservative party whip in operation regarding local matters. Because they hold the majority on the Council, a whip ensures that all Conservative members vote as instructed. The effect of this is to remove debate from the Chamber. The Tories do not need to debate any motion, and as a result there is currently no real democracy in Uttlesford.
However, with the taking of two seats in Elsenham & Henham, R4U are gaining ground. We still have a way to go, but with the support of residents who believe, as we do, that local matters are best left to local residents and not dictated by Westminster, I am positive that democracy will return to Uttlesford and local people will be properly represented by the District Council.
Farewell, Newport Ward. It has been an honour to represent you.
Jo Parry
Former Uttlesford District Councillor and Parish Councillor for the Newport Ward
Residents for Uttlesford